A heroic nanny shielded two children she cared for from a hit-and-run crash. She was walking in a Washington D.C. neighborhood with two kids ages two and seven in a sidewalk when an erratic driver almost hit the youngsters.
On Wednesday, Marina Fuentes told NBC affiliate WRC-TV about her near-death experience while she was lying on the hospital bed. She explained that the accident will forever haunt her even after she recovers from her injuries.
How it happened
She told the outlet that she felt like her life has ended. She believes that she will not have the same quality of life she had before she had experienced a scary event. WRC-TV reported that it happened on September 15 in Mount Pleasant when the nanny was taking care of the two children.
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The trio was on 18th Street NW walking down the sidewalk when a suspect driving a stolen car came barreling towards them. According to a press release from the Metropolitan Police Department and the local outlet, the owner of the car was Denis Miranda, a delivery food driver.
The nanny risked her life to protect the kids
Fuentes jumped in front of the car to protect the two kids she was with, risking her life. She told the outlet that she got in front of the little girl then she heard a bump in the back. She also noted that her focus remained on the children even though she suffered broken bones after the collision.
The nanny added that she looked down and got the stroller with a baby. Immediately, she wrapped it with her hands and arms to her chest. The Metropolitan Police Department released video footage showing the suspect escaping the crash scene.
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They have not caught the suspect yet
The clip showed the suspect running down the sidewalk. According to officials, no arrests have been made and they have not yet identified the driver. WRC-TV reported that thanks to Fuentes' quick actions, the two kids did not have serious injuries.
Claire Keller, a child Fuentes used to care for, set up a GoFundMe page to help Fuentes with her medical expenses, mortgage, and other living costs. Miranda also had a separate page to help her with her hospital bills.
Extremely protective of the kids she takes care of
Keller told WRC-TV that Fuentes loves the kids she takes care of. She shared that the nanny is extremely protective of the children she babysits. She added that Fuentes was like her third parent so she felt responsible for taking care of her.
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As of writing, Fuentes' page has already raised $30,000. Keller shared that although Fuentes had multiple broken bones and needing many surgeries, doctors said she could recover in about six months.
Authorities are calling out for anyone who has information about the incident to show up which they will offer a reward of $1,000.
