A teenager is being praised for helping people who were in a car crash while he was driving home from school.
The crash happened Tuesday afternoon at the intersection of U.S. 27 and Star Lake Drive in Lake Wales.
According to Lake Wales police detectives, the driver of a 2004 Cadillac SRX did not yield when trying to turn left. He was cited. The other car involved in the crash was a 2001 Toyota Sequoia.
“So when he got hit, he wiped out and then hit against the curb,” David Ruiz said.
Ruiz, 17, witnessed the crash.
“It was just instinct. I just ran and checked if everyone was okay,” Ruiz said.
Ruiz checked on the people in the Toyota first.
“I ran up and I asked her if everything was OK. I’ll get some help ‘cause they were really in shock,” Ruiz said.
Then, Ruiz checked on the people in the Cadillac.
“I checked the guy and he was complaining about his lower back. He said it doesn’t feel right,” Ruiz said.
Ruiz said he and another man, a retired EMT, got into the Cadillac to help the driver and the passenger.
“Then, I went to his wife. She was cut up with glass and I grabbed some napkins from his car and wiped her down,” Ruiz said.
Ruiz said he held the passengers neck in order to make sure she was OK.
“They said thanks and that it’s good to be on the lookout and that it takes a lot to hop in a situation....not knowing what’s going on,” Ruiz said.
Once he graduates high school, Ruiz plans to join the Army.
“I feel proud of myself and that people do deserve to get helped out when they are in need,” Ruiz said.
