Metro

Chelsea Hummer mayhem described as just a ‘bad day’ by garage worker

The accused thief in a spectacular Chelsea car-jacking remained hospitalized today as the parking garage worker who risked his life to cling to his customers’ stolen Hummer downplayed yesterday’s adventure as merely, “a bad day.”

The scene at RUB BBQ after the stolen Hummer crashed into the restaurant.

The scene at RUB BBQ after the stolen Hummer crashed into the restaurant. (David McGlynn)

“I’ve been working here for ten years and nothing like this has ever happened before,” said shy Fausto Cruz, who was back on the job after surviving a careening, broad daylight ride through Chelsea that included crashing into a cab, a city bus and a restaurant.

Eight people were hurt in the mahem, including four seriously. Pedestrians had to jump out of the way and other cars swerved to avoid the maniac.

Cruz, 40, a married dad of two, had been standing outside of the Hummer, writing out a claim ticket for the owners, when Nicholas Stidwell, 19, allegedly jumped inside, where the keys were still in the ignition.

Cruz jumped on the vehicle’s running board and grabbed its mirror as Stidwell allegedly plowed out of the garage. He held on for two blocks as the vehicle roared down Broadway.

“He could have been killed,” customer Ralph Herrara told The Post today. “I have two children too, and I wouldn’t have done it. He is brave.”

Cruz is well-liked at the garage, which is on W. 29th St. garage between Broadway and Fifth Avenue.

“Hello, sunshine,” one female customer said as she drove up to Cruz, smiling broadly and explaining to The Post, “He is my sunshine.”

“Take all the keys inside before you give the tickets,” Cruz’s boss could be overheard advising Cruz, protectively. “There are some psychos out there.”