TAYLORSVILLE -- A Taylorsville man was hit by a car Tuesday during his attempt to assist motorists who had collided on Redwood Road.
Police responded to the scene at 5225 S. Redwood Road when the good Samaritan, Anthony Rodriguez called 911 to report to the two-car crash.
Rodriguez was transported to Intermountain Medical Center and is currently in extremely critical condition.
A woman who lives with Rodriguez described Tuesday morning's crash.
“It was loud. It sounded like a bomb actually. We thought somebody was hurt out there,” said the woman who did not want to be identified. “We were just sitting in the kitchen and we heard a crash and he just -- like he always does- - grabbed the phone and just ran across the street.”
The woman said she saw Rodriguez cross the road.
“I went back to put some sweats on and I saw a body on the road – I had no idea it was him,” the woman said.
Rodriguez was on the phone with 911 dispatchers moments after the car crash.
In the 911 call a dispatcher asks: “What’s going on Anthony? How can I help you?”
Rodriguez replies: “I have no idea I just heard a big old crash in front of my house.”
Rodriguez was then transferred to the Unified Police Department Dispatch.
Moments later there was static before the line went dead.
Friends say they’re not surprised Rodriguez was one of the first on scene this morning.
Rodriguez’s unidentified friend said his actions are part of his personality.
“Absolutely, anything from saving a dog to a person, every day,” she said.
Police say Tuesday morning’s accident should not deter people from being good Samaritans and helping others in need.
“We always encourage people to help other people when they can but always call for help and be aware of your surroundings,” said Lt. Justin Hoyal with Unified Police.
Rodriguez was the only one injured in the incident. Police said the drivers in the collision were uninjured as well as the driver who hit Rodriguez.
