That Hit And Run in Hartford

The outrageous hit-and-run story that has received national attention here in the U.S. has spread worldwide. The world is holding a mirror up to the people of Hartford, and what's looking back at them is not pretty.

The shocking surveillance video (see it on the Hartford Courant website below) shows 78-year-old Angel Arce Torres being struck by a vehicle that swerved over into the wrong lane and does not bother to stop to help him. Neither do the 10 -12 other vehicles who drive by as the man lies helpless in the street. Several bystanders appear to do nothing, and they do not approach Torres until a police car comes into view. It is known that there were at least four 911 calls from the scene.

Wherever those bystanders are today, no doubt they are looking inwards and asking themselves why they did not help. It's the question the world is asking them. And asking Hartford itself. Has it gotten so bad that we have no regard for life?

"At the end of the day we've got to look at ourselves and understand that our moral values have now changed." Police Chief Daryl Roberts said. "We have no regard for each other."

Torres is paralyzed from the neck down and remains in critical condition in Hartford Hospital.

Hartford Courant

Sydney Morning Herald