A livery driver who helped police thwart a suspected kidnapping has received a bravery award named for a flight attendant on a hijacked plane from Boston that was flown into the World Trade Center 14 years ago.
The Madeline Amy Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery was given Friday to Albeiro Gomez of Worcester, Massachusetts, during a Statehouse event marking the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.
Officials say Gomez unwittingly picked up the kidnapping suspect and his two captives, a woman and her 11-month-old baby. When police later surrounded the vehicle, Gomez lunged over the seat and grabbed a gun away from the suspect, helping police capture the man.
Sweeney was credited with discreetly contacting authorities and providing them with the first critical information about the actions of the hijackers.
