Lynn Mother Chases Down Accused Hit-And-Run Driver After Son's Car Hit
LYNN (CBS) - A mother's love forced her to jump out of bed and chase down a hit-and-run suspect, who totaled her son's car and then fled the scene.
Police said 23-year-old Jayron Chilel-Dionicio of Lynn was driving a pickup truck on Adams Street just after midnight Tuesday, when he slammed into the back of Maria Donator's son Daniel's parked car and drove off into the night.
"I didn't care if he had a gun or anything on him," Maria Donator said. "I was going to chase him."
The crash was recorded on surveillance video. She told her son Daniel to call 911 and then she got in her car and went after the truck.
"Danny, I'm behind him. Take the plate number," Maria said.
Daniel followed his mom's instructions. "One of the officer's was here. And we're just giving him plate numbers. Turn by turn to where he is," Daniel said.
Lynn Police Lieutenant Michael Kmiec was impressed by Maria's quick thinking, but advises residents to call 9-1-1 instead. "Certainly, not something we recommend to the general public," said Lt. Kmiec. "She did a good job getting the officers informed of where she was, so they were able to find him and put the suspect in custody."
Chilel-Dionicio, was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of a crash and driving without a license. According to the police report, he also had a six pack of beer in the truck and one of them was open.
"The car was moved 20 feet. Makes you think, 'This guy really didn't care," said Daniel, who was still in shock. "It was like something out of an action movie. It was crazy."
His mother said she would do it again in a heartbeat. "I would do anything for my kids, because those are my kids and I love them," said Maria who was overcome with emotion, grateful her son is alive. "Imagine if my son was there? That's my son."
No one was hurt. Damage to the rear of the car is extensive. The car is a total loss.