MANCHESTER – Officers saved a 61-year-old tow truck driver after he passed out in the middle of the roadway while removing cars from a crash.
On March 10 around 10:30 p.m., there was a crash near Route 571 and Beacon Street. Police said 25-year-old Stephanie Bellotti of Manchester was traveling east on 571 approaching the intersection of Beacon Street when 54-year-old Caren Mcaleese of Manchester, who was travelling west, attempted to make a left turn in front of Bellotti onto Beacon Street. Their vehicles collided, causing extensive front-end damage to both.
According to police, Bellotti reported no injuries. Mcaleese sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Community Medical Center by Manchester EMS.
While investigating the crash, Freedom Towing arrived to remove the cars and debris. Freedom tow truck driver, 61-year-old John Macchia of Bayville, suddenly collapsed in the middle of the road.
Patrolman Michael Steffen, Patrolman Kyle Rickvalsky, Patrolman Brendan Brush, and Patrolman Julian Meaney quickly responded and determined that Macchia was unconscious, not breathing and had no pulse.
Officers immediately initiated CPR and deployed an Automated Exterior Defibrillator (AED). Manchester EMS and RWJ Barnabas Paramedics also performed life-saving measures and patient care.
Macchia was brought to Community Medical Center for treatment where he is expected to make a full recovery, police said.
