Richard Ruiz - a Good Samaritan in Connecticut

Richard Ruiz

On June 3, 2014, three members of a family were crossing a street in Newington, Connecticut, at about 1:15 p.m.

They were struck and dragged by a hit and run vehicle.

Evelinda Rodriguez, age 43, Denissa Aviles, age 23 (who is pregnant), and Jerry Torres, age 18, all of New Britain, were the victims of the hit and run driver.

Witnesses stated that a green colored pickup truck came out of nowhere, hit the group, dragged all three of them and continued to drive. The driver didn't even put on the brakes. 

The victims sustained broken bones and cuts but all three will survive. 

Richard Ruiz, of New Britain, was driving up the street in a white company van when he witnessed the incident. He cut across the road and blocked the pick-up truck driver, who bumped into Richard.  The hit and run driver reversed and tried to get away. 

The Good Samaritan comes
to the aid of strangers,
selflessly.

Richard told the driver "You're not going nowhere. These people are hurt. Let's help them.". The driver protested but Richard dragged him over to the victims, made him call the police and restrained him until the police arrived.

Police identified the driver as Keith Loosemore, age 32, of East Hampton. No charges have been filed. There is no indication that Loosemore was intoxicated or had a medical condition. He is cooperating with police. He may have been speeding or driving while distracted.

Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to call Newington Police at 860-666-8445.

Richard's family members stated that he is the type of man who would do anything to help others.

Richard Ruiz is a Good Samaritan.

We need more men like him in this world.