A 20-year-old guy has been recognized for saving the life of a commuter when he tripped over a live rail and was electrocuted.
Following his heroics on Monday afternoon, Anthony Perry was presented with a brand new automobile this week.
He had just come off the Chicago Transit Authority’s Red Line when he observed a man who was practically unconscious on the tracks’ electrified third rail.
Mr Perry then jumped onto the tracks and pulled the man to safety, according to cell phone footage.
‘I was hoping I could just grab him and not feel nothing, but I felt a little shock,’ he said.
‘I felt it all though my body actually. I didn’t let that stop me.’
With the help of another commuter, Mr Perry administered CPR on the man, who had been hurt by an electric shock.
The 32-year-old commuter, who had fallen after an alleged fight with another man, was taken to a hospital and was expected to survive.
Police are still investigating the incident that led to the man falling onto the tracks, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
Mr Perry told CBS News: ‘I could’ve kept walking, but I was like, you know what? I’m not going to keep walking – because God wouldn’t want me to do that, so I took action immediately.’
The video was shot by commuter Tavi Ghee, who called it “surreal”.
He had another clip which showed two men fighting on the tracks before the injured man became trapped and had to be rescued, ABC Chicago reported.
Mr Perry was surprised Wednesday with a 2009 Audi A8 from Chicago philanthropist Early Walker, founder of the anti-violence organization I’m Telling Don’t Shoot.
‘We wanted to literally show our appreciation because we need more people like you. We need more Anthonys in the world,’ Walker said after also giving Perry a $25 gasoline car.
Mr Perry said the car would make his life ‘way easier.’
He’s been taking two buses and a train from his home in the South Side neighborhood of Park Manor to his job with Amazon Fresh in suburban Oak Lawn.
Perry’s car was delivered to him blocks from his home as residents and police officers looked on in support.
‘So many times people think these young men are out here doing the wrong thing, but this is just a prime example of how a young man took it upon himself to jump in and do the right thing,’ said Chicago police Lt. Yolanda Irving.