Retired Dallas Firefighter Has Died, After Being Hit By Alleged Drunk Driver
DALLAS (CBS 11 NEWS) - A retired Dallas firefighter who was hit by a suspected drunk driver has died.
Charles Contreras Sr., 60, was hit over the weekend while on his motorcycle by the driver of a pickup truck who ran a red light.
Contreras and his passenger were taken to the hospital.
"I thought God had more for him planned here on earth. But God needs him more up there than he needs him down here. So he's with him now," said Charlie Contreras Jr., the son of the victim.
Charles Jr. said his father fought right to the end, making it through multiple operations. He said the trauma was just too much for his father.
Officers arrested the suspect about two miles from the crash site. Juan Diaz Lizama, 20, was charged with intoxicated assault with a vehicle. Charlie Jr. said detectives told him Wednesday the charge could strengthen given the death of his father.
"I know that we all make mistakes. But just the fact that he left him there for dead, that really angers me," said Charlie Jr.
Contreras had been in a coma and in critical condition until he passed away on Wednesday.
"I can't even put into words the loss that we feel," said Cristian Hinojosa, a Dallas firefighter who knew Contreras.
Charlie Jr. said he hopes people understand the pain his family is experiencing and think twice the next time they get behind the wheel if they have been drinking.
"I have his name. I'm junior and I'm going to carry that name in pride. And that when I say my name, I know that I'm named after him and when I carry his name, I'm going to make him proud," said Charlie Jr.
Contreras' family has set up a crowdfunding page in his memory to raise money for expenses.
