A South Jersey grandmother is grateful to be alive after being struck by a car last Monday. But more than that, she’s also grateful for the Good Samaritan who helped capture the alleged hit-and-run driver.
Goldie Wulderk, 83, was getting out of her parked station wagon Monday night on Pearl Street in Bridgeton when she was suddenly struck by an SUV driving down the street.
“I flew up in the air and I came down on my back and my head bounced twice,” said Wulderk.
Witnesses quickly sprang into action, calling 911. But investigators say one man went beyond that, following the driver who struck Goldie and keeping the police updated on his whereabouts.
“He really did a good job, I mean he didn’t let him get away,” said Wulderk.
Thanks to the caller, police were able to locate the suspect, Noel Rabanales, after he moved into the parking lot of a local dollar store. Police say Rabanales was issued a summons and released. He is charged with leaving the scene of an accident, driving without a license and failing to report an accident.
Goldie was taken to the Regional Medical Center in Vineland where she continues to recover. While the man who helped police catch Rabanales has chosen to remain anonymous, Goldie says she wants to meet him and personally thank him.
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“I want to hug him,” said Goldie. “I think he had a tremendous amount of courage and I would just like to meet him and tell him just how much I do appreciate him.”
