People flood Hero with gratitude, gifts

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - An alert neighbor is being hailed as a hero all over the country for saving a 6-year-old girl from a kidnapper.

People from around America are going out of their way to track down Antonio Diaz Chacon to praise and reward him.

“When people do the right thing good things happen,” James Burke from North Carolina said.

Good things are definitely happening to Antonio. He and his wife Martha are shocked by the
National news attention he's getting.

People from all over have been writing and calling, wanting to thank him.

Celeste Welch is in Florida, “I have four girls in my home, and I don't know it was just really touching.”

She sent the couple a Wal-Mart gift card to say thanks.

Burke of North Carolina sent a card and a check.

“I think it's important that we recognize our heroes,” said Burke. “And Antonio certainly was a hero.”

Antonio and Martha said they were just in the right place at the right time. Because of their broken washer the couple was down the street washing clothes Monday at Martha’s mother's home. That's right in front of where police claim Phil Garcia kidnapped the girl.

Antonio jumped into his truck and followed the kidnapper. He rescued the girl after the van crashed and police said the driver, Phil Garcia, fled.

Antonio’s broken washer won't be broken much longer. Phil Lowe owns and runs Mr. Appliance in Albuquerque.

“I got a call from a anonymous lady in Utah... I don't know her from Adam,” Lowe said.

The woman had seen Antonio’s story and contacted called Lowe’s company out of the blue.

“She said have you ever thought about fixing his washer and I said no but that is a great idea,” said Lowe.

Lowe plans to repair any appliance the family needs fixed for free.

The couple said they never expect all the attention or gratitude.

“I don't know, I just didn't think there was so many good people out there still,” said Martha.

Antonio and Martha have two daughters of their own.