After delivering pizzas in Chicago for four decades, beloved 81-year-old Ernie Aimone encountered a horrifying experience: a violent carjacking attempt.
On a fateful Wednesday night, as Aimone was returning to his vehicle after delivering a pizza, assailants ambushed him. “Somebody behind me was yelling ‘gimme the keys’ and ran at me real fast from behind,” Aimone described.
The attackers, who included at least one 15-year-old suspect, punched Aimone in the face. However, Aimone’s training as a former Army sergeant kicked in. He feigned unconsciousness, convincing the attackers to flee with his 2015 Hyundai Sante Fe.
Community Rallying Around Beloved Driver
Aimone’s ordeal sent shockwaves through his community. Joe’s on Higgins, the restaurant where Aimone has worked faithfully for 40 years, expressed utmost concern for their long-time employee: “Are you OK? I don’t care about the food.”
The Gladstone Chamber of Commerce, deeply moved by Aimone’s plight, launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for a new vehicle. President Dan Ciolino called Aimone “a local legend.”
A Heroic Act of Survival
Despite the attempt on his life, Aimone intends to continue delivering pizzas. “I can’t retire, I’d go crazy,” he said defiantly. “I love the people… If they have a dog, I pet it. The kids, I kind of wave to them.”
Aimone’s daughter Robyn praised her father’s courage: “You’re not a coward, you’re a hero. You stayed down… and you came home to me.”
Safety Concerns Heighten
While Aimone emerged from the incident with minor injuries, his ordeal underscores the growing safety concerns for delivery drivers in Chicago. “This type of thing is happening a lot here,” said Frank Demonte, Aimone’s boss at Joe’s on Higgins. “It shouldn’t happen to anybody, especially an 81-year-old man.”
Community Outpouring of Support
The outpouring of support for Aimone has been a source of comfort for his family and the community. “Now he can finally see that people love and respect him,” said Robyn Aimone. “Now he sees it. I think that’s very important to see and to have him be acknowledged for that.”
Continued Support
While the fundraising campaign has raised a substantial amount, Aimone’s GoFundMe page remains active. Any additional support will help him get back on the road and continue serving his beloved patrons.
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
