Man honored for heroics after hit & run

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The man who helped chase down an accused hit and run driver is being hailed a hero.

On scene, police officers called Benny Kirkland a hero. Now lawmakers are joining in to praise him.

Last Thursday night, 14-year-old Bryce Buchholz was killed while riding his bike with a friend in Lancaster. The driver who hit Buchholz sped away. But Kirkland, who lives on the street and witnessed the crash, took off after the driver. Police credit Kirckland with bringing the man whose car allegedly hit Buchholz into custody.

>> Hear from Kirkland himself here, who upon being told people thought he was a hero, said, "I'm not a hero, just a dad doing what dads do. Any dad would have done it. When it comes to the kids, not on my watch. It just doesn't happen. If you do wrong, you answer to it. One thing you don't do is drink and drive. That's a no-no; we don't tolerate that around here."

Thursday afternoon, the Erie County Legislature issued a proclamation, honoring Kirkland for his actions. Kirkland could not be there in person to accept the honor so a relative stood in for him.

Michael Ettipio, 23, was arrested thanks to Kirkland's action. Ettipio is charged with vehicular manslaughter, leaving the scene and DWI.