A Connecticut teen is fighting for his life after being struck by a car, whose driver traveled for miles with him trapped on the roof, eventually pushing him off and abandoning him on the side of the road.
16-year-old Liam Shields was riding his bicycle when a car hit him and the driver fled, continuing with Shields on the roof for over four miles. Two good Samaritans found Shields laying on the side of the road, according to WFSB.
Shields is now in critical condition at the hospital.
Alex Joel Rivera, 29, allegedly knew he had struck the bicyclist but "freaked out" and fled, fearing he would be jailed and lose custody of his daughter. The arrest warrant viewed by WFSB revealed that Rivera was accompanied in the vehicle by a woman and two children and made multiple phone calls before contacting the police, including to his daughter's mother and his parents.
Rivera was driving without a license and has been charged with several serious offenses, including first-degree endangerment and evading responsibility for causing serious injury. He is held on a $100,000 bond.
Liam Shields plays for the soccer and basketball teams at Avon High School where he and his twin brother are sophomores.
Jenny Eldrigde, a close friend of the Shields family, was informed of the accident Friday night.
"It was devastating. I felt bad. I felt sick to my stomach," she told WFSB. "Especially me having my kids as the same age, and they are friends. I see him and I also see my kids and it's tragic and sad."
"When you get an unexpected situation like this, it's like your heart is there too," Eldridge continued. "It's scary how quickly this can change, how your life can change in a matter of a second."
Sen. Lisa Seminara (CT-R) also made a statement to WFSB, saying "I, along with the rest of our community, were horrified at this blatant disregard for human life. This person hit the young man and carried him on a car for over 4 miles, and then dumped his body on the side of the road. It was obviously devastating to me and it's devastating to our entire community."
The shaken community has organized a range of support efforts for the Shields family. A GoFundMe set up by Eldridge has already raised over $45,000. Local businesses, including Luna Pizza and Crown and Hammer restaurant, have stepped up with fundraising events scheduled this week. The community is also gathering for a prayer service at the Church of St. Ann to offer their support and prayers for Liam's recovery.
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