NYC bus driver saves girl on Upper West Side
- Luis Jimenez, a veteran MTA bus driver, noticed a 5-year-old girl alone in Manhattan's Upper West Side.
- The girl had skipped school to visit a pet store after her fish died, prompting her school to report her missing.
- Jimenez's quick actions and concern for the child's safety led to her being safely reunited with her family.
In October 2023, a New York City MTA bus driver named Luis Jimenez, aged 60, became a local hero after he noticed a 5-year-old girl wandering alone in Manhattan's Upper West Side. Concerned for her safety, he observed her for a block before taking action. The girl had skipped school to visit a pet store following the death of her fish, which led her school to report her missing. Jimenez's paternal instincts kicked in, prompting him to ask a passenger to call 911 and pull over the bus to assist the child. He and other passengers comforted her while waiting for the police to arrive. Ultimately, the police were able to reunite the girl with her family. Jimenez expressed relief that he chose to go to work that day instead of calling in sick, emphasizing the importance of helping others in difficult times. His actions highlight the significance of community vigilance and compassion in urban settings, especially when it comes to the safety of children.