A Chicago man is being hailed as a hero after he jumped into action so he could rescue an injured police officer from a smoking car.

The cop had been driving through the city's South side with its lights and sirens on so it could get to a foot chase when another car made a turn and cut him off. Instead of hitting the other driver, the officer veered his car into a tree.

An unidentified man was then seen rushing over to the smoking SUV, opening the door, and pulling the policeman out of the vehicle. Several other good Samaritans rushed to the officer's aid as well.

Kevin Russell was in his car when he saw the scene unfolding. Touched by the man's compassionate response to the accident, he filmed the exchange and posted the video to Facebook.

Since Chicago's South side community is often mistrustful of police officers, the rescue has spurred an emotional response from social media viewers.

"People think that people of color and police don't get along and don't have a good relationship, but in a situation like this when something incredible happens, you do the right thing," Russell told CBS Chicago. "You jump into action. This isn't a police officer. This is a human being."

"I was really able to capture the real heart of the South side of Chicago and the citizens in the city of Chicago," he added.

According to the Chicago Police Department, the officer was taken to the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery from his injuries.

(WATCH the video below or our international viewers can watch the footage on the CBS News website)

Be Sure And Share The Clip With Your Friends On Social Media – Photo by Kevin Russell