JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Imagine driving home from lunch only to have your car run out of gas. One woman experienced this, only to have a good Samaritan trying to help her get hit by a passing car.
The woman -- who didn't want her name revealed -- told Channel 4: "I was scared; really didn't know what to think. I was nervous for him. Couldn't believe someone would just leave like that. With him in the middle of the road."
She was stunned as a tan or gold car ran into him, pulled into a parking lot then sped off, seemingly not caring they had just hit someone.
"I think that's horrible," the woman went on to say. "That guy needs to be caught because, what if he does it again to somebody?"
The woman ran to him, but wasn't sure what to do for the man who was trying to come to her rescue.
"I asked him if he was OK. He was kind of incoherent. In and out."
Channel 4 has learned the tow truck driver was Alvin Harris, who worked for RJR Towing. The towing company said it sent someone to Orange Park Medical Center to check on him.
Harris remains hospitalized with several broken bones, and may have to face surgery before being released.
Crime analyst Ken Jefferson says this is a reminder to always be cautious if helping a stranded driver.
"Very first thing you have to do is put your four-way flashers on, create enough space between yourself and the car or the person you're trying to help. Then try your best to stop the traffic that's coming behind you."
Anyone with information about the vehicle that hit Harris and left the scene is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS.