Read more: Local
OREGON, OH -- Jacob Lopez, the man who called 911 on alleged wrong-way, drunk driver Michael Gagnon was honored at the Oregon City Council meeting on Monday night.
On December 30th, 2007, Lopez was working the drive-through at a Taco Bell when Michael Gagnon came through. Lopez noticed right away that Gagnon appeared drunk and called 911 while his manager stalled Gagnon at the drive through window.
Police arrived two minutes later, but it was already too late. Gagnon left, and police say he drove the wrong way on I-280, crashing his vehicle into a family van, killing 5 people.
But, Lopez was honored for doing the right thing.
Lucas County Commissioner Tina Skeldon-Wozniak said, "we want to compliment him and encourage him that he's got really good gut instincts and when you really to try to help your fellow citizens, it is the right thing to do."
The Oregon Family Commission also honored Lopez with the first-ever positive choice award. It will be an annual award inspired by Lopez's actions.
Lopez is a newlywed father of three and former Marine. This is not the first time he has called 911 on a suspected drunk driver, and he has done it again since December 30th.
He's also been touched several times by drunk driving. His 8 year-old neighbor was killed by an alleged drunk driver in Jerusalem Township on January 17th. Also, about 10 years ago, Lopez's young cousin was killed by a drunk driver.
