What began as a simple ride back home from her grandmother’s house ended up a child’s worst nightmare for three year old Maddie Cahill.
At approximately 3:10 p.m. Thursday, Cahill and her uncle, Scott Autry, were driving down McKinley Avenue in a white Dodge Stratus when Autry, who was under the influence of an unknown substance, collided with three automobiles parked along the boundary of Fresno City College.
According to a witness named Terri, who would not disclose her last name, Autry was speeding down McKinley Avenue in a reckless manner. After he almost hit the railroad crossing, he sped forward where finally hit a blue Saturn Trans Am parked along the curb near campus. The impact of the crash pushed the Trans Am to the sidewalk and created a collision with a Honda Civic and another Saturn LS parked in front.
“He was driving all over the road, fast, obviously going over 40. I couldn’t believe all the bouncing,” Terri said.
At approximately 3:15 p.m., Terri called the police as she screamed “Take the keys from him!”
Shortly after Terri called out for help, FCC students jumped to the rescue. Ronald Roman and Victoria Guzman, who happened to be close by, did what they could to help the parties involved.
What started as a minor altercation between Roman and Autry ended with a Roman walking away with the keys and a few scratches on his hands.
“I tried to get the keys out while they got everything situated,” said Roman. “When I first heard the crash, I thought it was a gunshot,” Guzman said.
Moments after, Guzman managed to free young Cahill who was trapped in the automobile, and was located in the rear seat without her booster.
Officer Ruiz from the Fresno Police Department said that Autry had two DUI warrants and that he was driving under the influence once again. Autry was arrested and sat in the police car, waiting impatiently for the officers to delegate.
Cahill then sat at the curb, waiting for her parents to arrive. Looking over the broken glass, her arrested uncle, and streams of oil and gasoline, young Cahill seemed dazed as the paramedics looked over the marks the seatbelt left on her neck after the crash.
Steven Cahill, father of Maddie arrived at the scene soon after. Furious about the entire situation Cahill said, “I hope he goes to prison for putting my daughter’s life in jeopardy.”
Nor Steven Cahill or Maddie’s mother had any idea Autry was transporting their daughter back home as he had no license and previous DUI charges. Mrs. Cahill said that “My daughter, husband or myself will never speak to my brother ever again.”
Meanwhile back at the scene, owners of the various automobiles appeared only to find their cars in ruins. Nailah Jumoke is the owner of the Twin Cam involved in the accident. As she picked up her belongings from her car she simply said, “God knows what he’s doing.”
She also stated that she was glad no one was hurt and that the situation was out of her hands. The owner of the second Saturn and the Honda Civic also involved are still unknown at pressed time.
