In November 2019, A quick-thinking Montreal man is being hailed as a hero for jeopardizing his own safety to protect the lives of innocent pedestrians. Erik Marciano, 48, was driving to work when he noticed a car race through an intersection with police in hot pursuit.

NEWSWEEK reported that the car plowed into a snowbank and then when police surrounded the car, the driver pulled a U-turn and began plowing back towards Marciano’s direction. Marciano noticed the vehicle was headed directly towards a street corner where a crowd of pedestrians and construction workers were standing.

Marciano laid on his horn to alert the intended victims, and then planted hi Mercedes SUV directly in the path of the oncoming car, barricading himself between the speeding vehicle and the pedestrians. His SUV was hit hard from the passenger side, forcing the car to an immediate halt. Speaking with CBS MONTREAL, Erik Marciano said:

“I didn’t want him to hurt anybody. I figured, sacrificing a car was really no big deal. And that’s what I did.”

Marciano wasn’t injured in the incident, and the 19-year-old driver of the runaway care was taking to the hospital with minor injuries. He was arrested on several charges, including dangerous driving and assault with a deadly weapon.

In a Tweet posted in French, Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante shared her thanks:

“I salute the courage of Erick Marciano, whose heroic gesture saved the lives of many pedestrians. On behalf of myself and the people of Montreal, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, Mr. Marciano.”

Thankfully, Mr. Marciano’s insurance company will not hold the accident and the heavy damage it caused to his SUV against him. He doesn’t regret his dangerous decision, saying:

“I figured, he had a Honda, and there was no way he was going over the median. For me, that was the safest thing to do.”

The mother of the young driver appeared at his court hearing and offered her thanks to Erik Marciano for saving her son from more serious charges. She said he has suffered mental health issues since his early childhood, and hopes this incident will help her son get the medical help he needs.

Marciano said the on-scene police officers almost overwhelmed him by their gratitude for his quick action that saved numerous lives. Mayor Plante honored Marciano in a ceremony at City Hall where she presented him with a certificate of honor and invited him to sign the city’s Golden Book. Speaking to journalists in attendance, she said:

“To commit such a bold act, at the risk of his personal safety, to protect the life of pedestrians is among the most admirable acts of bravery.”

Marciano’s wife and three daughters were also in attendance at the ceremony. Of her husband’s bravery, Michelle Marciano said:

“He’s always thinking about others and always puts himself before others, so it’s just something he does.”