A man pulled from a fiery rollover crash in Riverside was reunited with the good Samaritan who risked his life to save him.
With stitches on his head and a fractured leg, 21-year-old Ricardo Nunez went to the scene of a crash Friday to thank the witness who dragged him out from his burning car just a few days earlier.
In an emotional reunion, Nunez embraced his rescuer, Santiago Portillo, who was working at a mattress store in the 10000 block of Indiana Avenue on Tuesday when the collision occurred.
"It's one of the most amazing feelings I've ever had in my whole life," said Portillo of the reunion.
In the caught-on-camera moment, Portillo whipped out his cellphone and started recording, but something made him pause.
"I saw an arm hanging out the window and a sweater," Portillo said.
"I knew there was a human life in there. I just wasn't going to witness that guy getting roasted."
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He put down the phone and jumped into action.
Police said two cars were street-racing down Indiana Avenue when witnesses said one of the drivers lost control, struck a light pole and rolled over onto the sidewalk.
"He thanked me from the bottom of his heart as he was lost for word," Portillo said. "I could really see his genuine gratitude."
Police are investigating the wreck as a possible street racing crash and are looking for a newer model white Scion TC.
It is unknown if Nunez will face any charges.
