Homeless Man Saves Baby, Gains New Job And Outlook On Life

HESPERIA, CA — Things are looking up for Ron Nessman.

One week ago, he was trying to find work after being homeless in the high desert for eight years. Now, he has been catapulted into the spotlight for rescuing a baby in a runaway stroller just feet from a busy Hesperia thoroughfare.

Nessman was fresh from a job interview to be a dishwasher at Applebee's Grill + Bar in Victorville last week when he saw the runaway stroller at a carwash parking lot. He grabbed it before it rolled into traffic on Bear Valley Road in Hesperia. The dramatic rescue was captured on camera and has been viewed more than 2 million times on social media.

The stroller was rolling away from the child's great aunt near the A1 Hand Car Wash parking lot, and she fell trying to catch it as it rolled down the sharp embankment toward oncoming traffic.

Nessman was sitting with his sister at the car wash when he heard the baby's great aunt scream for help, he said. He raced to the stroller, redirecting it before it careened into traffic (Watch the full video below).

Nessman was offered the Applebee's job, and he received other unexpected job offers, according to multiple reports.

Applebee's, it turned out, was a good fit both for Nessman, according to General Manager Emily Canady.

She said the viral video had nothing to do with their decision to hire Nessman. He is a "great guy and was a great candidate," Canady told reporters. "He'll definitely fit with us here in Team Victorville at Applebee's."

Nessman told KTLA he had been homelesss for eight years after the crushing death of his longtime girlfriend and had recently moved in with his sister to rebuild his life.

"If you want something different in your life, you need to do something different. And that's where I am at today," he told reporters. "I knew I could get (the stroller), and I'm thankful for that because I really wouldn't want to see the end result if I wasn't there."

Southern Californians React

Patch readers weighed in with their thoughts on the man whose quick reaction saved an infant from an uncertain fate.

"For all those homeless haters out there, THIS is a perfect example of the humanity of some of these people and WHY we need to help them!" Linda Ann of Temecula wrote. "If he hadn't been there, that baby would have died."

A Banning Patch reader suggested this was a cautionary tale to caretakers.

"Pick yourself back up quickly and get to that stroller as fast as possible," Pock wrote. "Pain from falling should be the last of your worries. Hopefully, the Great-Aunt has learned a lesson to always lock the stroller wheels in the future."

Terri S. of Eagle Rock wrote that it shows anyone can be a hero, no matter where they are.

"Good for Ron! I hope this reminds NIMBY's that anyone can be a hero Anyone can be a compassionate person, even those you normally look down your nose at."

Marina del Rey reader Sainte DeLude wanted Ron to know all appreciate his good example.

"Ron, thank God for you! I'm so happy you saved that baby and have shown people that homeless people are just people like everyone else - with the exception that you're one of the better ones (people in general!)," DeLude wrote. "I pray that your life gets better and easier and all good things shall come to you…. Applebee's would be super lucky to have you, if that's what you want. If you set your mind to it, I bet you could get almost any job you'd want. Good karma for a good person!"

Read also:

Good Samaritan Stops Runaway Stroller Headed Into Busy SoCal Traffic | Banning, CA Patch