14-Year-Old Begs Nearby Good Samaritan to 'Hide Me' From Accused Molester

Police say a man lending a hand to a stranded motorist in North Center this week saved a young girl from a driver who was trying to molest her.

The 49-year-old man—many are hailing him as a local hero—was drinking a beer on his porch around 10:30 p.m. Monday in the 1800 block of West Cuyler Avenue when he saw a van run out of gas nearby, according to ABC7 News.


"He went to help and pushed the van to a parking spot, police said," the report reads. "But when the driver was distracted, a 14-year-old passenger told the Good Samaritan the driver had tried to sexually assault her in the van."

The resident, who asked that he not be named, told the Chicago Tribune that the girl was at his heels when he began walking back to his home after helping the motorist.

“She kept saying, 'Help me, help me, hide me. He was trying to rape me,'" he said, in the report.

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The man reportedly brought the girl to his home and called police. They arrested the 23-year-old driver, Richard Velasco, in the 4100 block of North Mango Avenue.

He was being held Friday on $300,000 bail with an upcoming court date scheduled for Sept. 3. Velasco faces one count each of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and attempted criminal sexual assault, prosecutors have said.