Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday honored the heroic actions of an unemployed Fresno construction worker who rescued an 8-year-old girl from her kidnapper, a story that has captured the nation’s attention.
“He risked his own life and saved another. That’s an extraordinary thing,” Schwarzenegger said of Victor Perez at a Fresno news conference attended by local city and law enforcement officials. “I’ve played many action heroes in my career, but this guy is a true action hero.”
Schwarzenegger also credited Police Chief Jerry Dyer for quickly issuing an Amber Alert, obtaining surveillance video of the suspect’s truck and rallying dozens of officers to help in the search.
“I’m so inspired by this,” Schwarzenegger said. “There are so many negative stories about the economic crisis, unemployment and people losing their homes … this is why this story is so important. To show that there are positive things going on in the world and good people.”
WATCH: HERO VICTOR PEREZ SAVES ABDUCTED 8- YEAR OLD