Child rescued from burning car in Golden Valley, Minn.

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. (KMSP) - Police smashed the rear window of a burning car to rescue a child who was strapped in his car seat following a Tuesday night crash in Golden Valley, Minnesota.

Golden Valley police and West Metro Fire responded to the 3800 block of Bassett Creek Drive where they found a car at the base of a ravine, on its side and on fire.

“I could see a flame that was at least as high as the fence,” said Golden Valley Fire Chief John Crell. “I'm like, ‘Is anybody in the vehicle?’ And they go, ‘Yes.’ And we can hear them screaming. That puts you in a totally different mode.”

Police offers and firefighters worked together to put out the fire and rescue the child.

 “One of the officers told me that when they were working with the fire department that he was so amped up he was actually able to pick the firefighter up off the ground and put him up toward the car to help get that baby out,” said Golden Valley Police Commander Steve Johnson.

The driver, a 22-year-old man, was found near the car and was taken to North Memorial Medical Center in critical condition. Golden Valley police say preliminary investigation indicates that alcohol may be a factor. According to a search warrant obtained by Fox 9, police found an open bottle of vodka, about 1/2 to 1/4 full, on the front passenger flood board of the car.

The 23-month-old child was also transported to the hospital, but had no visible injuries. Police haven't said if the man and child are related.

The crash is under investigation by the Golden Valley Police Department and the Minnesota State Patrol.