Heroic Good Samaritans TKO Maniac Times Square Driver Who Killed 18-Year-Old Pedestrian – ‘We Weren’t Taking Any Chances’

Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
By
Managing Editor

At least two quick thinking heroes are emerging from the crazy and tragic scene that unfolded in Times Square today, where one innocent pedestrian was killed and at least 20 other people were injured.

26-year-old Richard Rojas, who has a lengthy criminal history, inexplicably made a u-turn and began mowing down people walking on the sidewalk in New York’s busy Times Square. When the car smashed into barriers and stopped, Rojas exited the vehicle and attempted to flee. One incredible photo was snapped of Rojas attempting to flee the scene:

Credit: NY Daily News
Rojas attempting to flee after killing one pedestrian and injuring many more.

That’s when a ticket agent, Alpha Balde, and a Planet Hollywood security guard leapt into action.

From the New York Daily News:

“The bouncer from Planet Hollywood knocked him out. He knocked him out so bad you could see the blood coming out of his face. That’s when I jumped in, I grabbed him from his neck and within about one minute everybody’s there.”

Balde said he didn’t want to take any chances.

“I ripped off his shirt,” Balde said. “We watch TV all the time, You have to make sure this guy doesn’t have anything under his shirt that’s going to damage you. So I ripped the shirt to find out no gun, no knife, no belt.”

Very heroic actions, considering the unknowns at play. Rojas could easily have been a terrorist wearing a suicide belt, or someone about to go on a massive shooting spree. There was just no way of knowing, and these brave bystanders didn’t hesitate to put their lives on the line to help make sure no one else got hurt. Incredible actions.
Balde also told reporters that he was so angry he wanted to punch Rojas, but authorities quickly descended on the scene before he could do so.
New reports are emerging that claim Rojas was hoping to commit suicide by cop. The New York Post has this quote from Rojas:

The Bronx man who plowed his car into a Times Square crowd, killing a teen tourist and injuring 22 others, wanted to commit murder, and then wanted cops to kill him, police sources said.

“You were supposed to shoot me! I wanted to kill them,” Richard Rojas, 26, told police, according to sources.

The killer, who’s been arrested twice for DWI, wasn’t drunk when he went on the rampage in the heart of the Big Apple, a high-ranking police official said. Rojas is currently being tested for drugs, as he appeared to be high, according to sources.

The one person killed in the melee was 18-year-old Alyssa Elsman, whose 13-year-old sister was also hit by the crazed driver. Elsman was in town visiting NYC.

A horrible tragedy for this family to endure, they will definitely need prayers and love to get through this.

(h/t CrimeOnline)

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