Car Runs Over Salvation Army Bell Ringer Outside Walgreens

Photo credits: Arlington Police Department.

A car rode onto the sidewalk and ran over a Salvation Army bell ringer at about 12:45 p.m. Tuesday outside the Arlington Heights Walgreens, according to police.

The bell ringer, a 50-year-old Boston man who was soliciting donations at the time, was pinned under the 2008 Toyota Camry, police said.

That’s when Tony Jammal, owner of Antoine’s Auto Repair across Mass. Ave., sprung to action.

After being alerted of the crash, Jammal grabbed a floor jack and ran to the scene. He then used the jack to lift the car, taking its weight off the victim’s right knee.

“You just use your instincts, run and do the right thing,” Jammal said at a press conference Tuesday afternoon.

Arlington Police Chief Frederick Ryan praised Jammal’s quick thinking.

“The heroism displayed today by Tony was extraordinary,” he said.

Ryan said Jammal “substantially minimized” the victim’s injuries.

The volunteer suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries, mostly to his right leg, police said. He was taken to an area hospital.

Police said the driver, an 87-year-old Arlington man, may have mistaken Walgreens’ front entrance for a drive-thru window. Police cited the man for operating to endanger and filed an “Immediate Threat” notification to the Registry of Motor Vehicle. The registry will now review the man’s right to have a license, police said.