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Apr 30, 2009 9:00 pm US/Central
Man Stabbed While Helping Stranded Travelers
LAKEWOOD, Colo. (CBS) ―
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Michael Betterton shows his stab wound
A good Samaritan was stabbed after he tried to help a husband and wife who had run out of gas.
Michael Betterton was driving by at Kipling and Colfax in Lakewood after he got off work Tuesday night when he offered to help the stranded travelers.
"I've helped hundreds of people who have been stranded and never had a problem," Betterton told CBS station KCNC-TV in Denver.
Betterton, who lives in Wheat Ridge, said he gave the man a lift to get gas.
"He was talking about his wife, how they were in a tough spot," said Betterton.
Betterton said it wasn't until they left the gas station that things turned ugly.
"He says 'Give me your wallet,'" said Betterton.
The man then stabbed him in the chest.
"And he was getting ready to stab me again," said Betterton.
Betterton said he fought back.
"I turned and Boom! Right there, booted him right between the eyes. With my other foot I hit the gas. He didn't get the wallet. He didn't get the gas. He got a foot to the face and kicked out."
The suspect wouldn't have gotten a lot out of the wallet. Betterton said he would've had $1.11, a library card, a gym membership and a King Soopers card.
Police arrested suspect Robert Hosford walking nearby.
Steve Davis with Lakewood police said he appreciates Betterton's willingness to help.
"I wouldn't suggest giving a ride to a stranger anymore and that's a sad thing to say, but it's true," Davis said.
Betterton said next time he won't be so quick to offer help.
"I think the next time I run into a motorist in the middle of the night I will just call (the) local police and have them deal with it," said Betterton.
The suspect's wife is not a suspect and she is cooperating with police.
Hosford's arrest record is six pages long and includes forgery, fraud, assault, harassment, escaping prison and resisting arrest.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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