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RALLYING BEHIND FAMILY
Manteca Ford, community replace Good Samaritans car
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It was a total shock for Jesse Lemus, left, his wife Sarah and employer Victor Fiore when they went to Manteca Ford Thursday morning they thought to pick out a replacement car and contract for payments. Dealership owner Phil Waterford, right, made it possible for them to drive away with a 1999 Mercedes, all paid for. - photo by GLENN KAHL
It started as a tragedy with an ironic twist.A Manteca appliance delivery man unselfishly went to the aid of a mortally injured motorcycle rider on Highway 99. His unattended vehicle was then stolen by the fleeing suspect that police said caused the fatal accident. It was found later stripped and was impounded costing the Good Samaritan $285 to retrieve a vehicle that was no longer operable.That story now has a happy ending for the Good Samaritan.A community effort - with a big boost from Phil Waterford and the Manteca Ford staff - put Jesse Lemus behind the wheel of a 1999 Mercedes.Manteca Police had been trying to apprehend a wanted felon who had run across the Highway 99 freeway just south of Yosemite Avenue and then ran back causing southbound traffic to come to a screeching halt.