Upon witnessing someone seemingly collapse onto train tracks, a man immediately took action to assist. Anthony Perry, arriving at his regular Chicago train station three years ago, noticed a man nearly unconscious on the electrified tracks.
While many might hesitate in such a situation, Anthony, then 20, acted swiftly to rescue the individual and bring him to safety. Reports suggest the man, whose identity remains unknown, ended up on the tracks after an altercation with another commuter, who subsequently fled the scene.
Despite feeling “a little shock” from the tracks, Anthony wasn’t dissuaded from aiding the man. After pulling him to safety, Anthony performed CPR with assistance from another bystander.
Tavi Ghee, who filmed the incident, described it as “surreal” to 6 ABC Action News in June 2022. She said, “That was an out-of-body experience,” referring to the dramatic rescue. Anthony also shared his experience with the news outlet, recalling his hope to avoid the electric shock while saving the man. “I was hoping I could just grab him and not feel nothing, but I felt a little shock,” he recounted. “I felt it all through my body actually. I didn’t let that stop me.”
The rescued individual was hospitalized and was expected to recover fully. Following his heroic deed, Anthony, who previously faced a 90-minute commute to work, received a car as a gift.
The vehicle was presented by Early Walker, a Chicago philanthropist and businessman, who expressed admiration for Anthony’s bravery, stating: “We need more Anthonys in the world.”
Chicago Police Lt. Yolanda Irving also praised Anthony, highlighting that his actions counter the stereotype of young men always being involved in wrongdoing. “This is just a prime example of how a young man took it upon himself to jump in and do the right thing,” she remarked.
Anthony himself affirmed his belief in positivity, stating, “Good always wins.”
Though Anthony was celebrated for his actions, the Chicago Transportation Authority advises that in similar situations, bystanders should call 911 rather than risking their safety by entering the tracks themselves, as there is a danger of electrocution.