The Good Samaritan

On November 11, 2021 in Cottage Grove-Oregon, local resident Todd Bailey was awakened by the sound of a crash nearby. Being the person Todd is, he jumped up and got in his truck to look for the site in case someone needed help. Todd is a former Search & Rescue Volunteer for the Fire Department and an avid hiker and adventurer. Todd found the vehicle that had crashed into a telephone pole and down an embankment landing in the creek. Todd ran to the vehicle in an effort to help when he was approached by the driver, a 22 year old, who was drunk and covered in blood. As Todd approached the man to assist him, he he was met with a gun to his face. The drunk driver then stole Todd's truck and sped away. At that time, Rhonda, his wife drove up in her vehicle as she knew Todd did not have his cell phone on him and he may need it. She called 911 to report as Todd took her vehicle to chase down his truck, which was speeding away recklessly. The Sheriff's Department arrived and a man hunt began. By the next morning the Sherriff's Department called off the search, unable to locate the truck & driver. Last year, when Rhonda was battling cancer, Todd took off work to care for her. They had to minimize their bills and dropped full coverage insurance to liability only, they are now out of a truck and the $3000 they just put into it. Not willing to call off the search for 'Ole Blue' , Todd & Rhonda continued to search for their truck. After 4 hours, their prayers were answered when Rhonda spotted Ole Blue submerged into a river. Unfortunately, Ole Blue was totaled and Todd & Rhonda are out of a truck which had alot of sentimental value & service to them as his primary vehicle. They just bought a camper trailer for Ole Blue to pull to the backwoods to return to do what they love the most, camp out & enjoy nature. They are stunned and heartbroken. The truck provided the finger prints needed to arrest a local known felon who has a previous record of similar conduct. Todd & Rhonda are in a bind now due to this criminal when Todd was being the good Samaritan he is and trying to help someone in need by going out of his way only to have a gun pulled on him and his good truck stolen. Any help you can spare to build up this fund to replace Ole Blue would certainly help these two good Samaritans who have always helped others and will continue without bitterness after this frightful ordeal. We are lucky Todd was not killed or injured while trying to help a stranger in need.