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Saved thief from burning car

Two Good Samaritans were honoured Friday for rescuing a man from a burning car.

Stephen Donaldson and Mark Perkins were recognized by Sidney-North Saanich RCMP for pulling the man from a Cadillac that caught fire when it crashed into a concrete bunker.

“I don’t think I could justify just standing by and watching somebody burn to death if I didn’t have to,” Donaldson told CTV.

“I believe he would have burned alive,” said Perkins, a retired firefighter.

Ironically, the driver had just stolen the car from a nearby gas station, and took off with the gas nozzle and 10 feet of hose still attached to the vehicle.

RCMP Act. Cmdr. Wayne Conley said the pair's actions "would’ve taken someone who is really demonstrating courage, for sure."

The driver suffered serious injuries and faces multiple charges.

“I’m just hoping that maybe this thing will be something that can turn this guy’s life around for him,” said Perkins.

– with files from CTV Vancouver Island



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