PORTLAND, Ore. — A good Samaritan helped free more than 20 stranded drivers from a slick off-ramp during Wednesday night’s near-record setting snowstorm. Jon Gilbert owns Honest Jon’s Auto, enjoys four wheeling and helping people.
“It's just kind of who I am,” Gilbert said. “Every time there's a big snowstorm and ice storm, I'll just throw the service light on and some tow straps and shackles and just try to help everybody I can.”
On Wednesday night, Gilbert’s friend, Alec Higley, called him from Northeast 82nd Avenue and Columbia Boulevard. Higley and more than 20 other drivers were stranded there on the icy off-ramp.
"I had been sitting for about seven hours,” Higley said. “[Gilbert] brought food. He’s a good guy.”
When Gilbert saw the other stranded drivers, he decided to help them too. He freed several sedans, mini vans and even a pick-up truck.
“The off-ramp there was just absolutely decimated,” Gilbert said. “Everyone was so thankful, people got kids at home and everything.”
Gilbert worked until 6:00 a.m. to free more than 20 vehicles.
“You could say he was just enjoying himself, just making everyone happy and just helping,” Higley said.
The only vehicle Gilbert couldn’t free was a semi-truck carrying six tons of freight.
“We put in a valiant effort on it,” Gilbert said. “Just the weight of those big rigs and 2-3 inches of ice was too much.”
At the wheel of the truck was a woman named Mary. She told KGW she’s grateful that Gilbert even tried to help her.
“What a guy,” Mary said. “That's what we're here to do, right? Help each other out. Sometimes in society it feels like we've forgotten that. Jon helps you remember.”