HAINESPORT TOWNSHIP -- John Hodgson knew something didn't seem right. The 26-year-old tow truck driver had just finished up a call and was heading down Marne Highway at about 1 a.m. Thursday morning when he saw a young man walking on the side of the road, barefoot in pajama pants.

Tow truck driver John Hogdson, 26 of Mount Holly, stepped in to get a man with Down Syndrome home safe after he found the man walking barefoot at 1 a.m. (Photo provided)

"I went up and turned around and came back to check on him," said Hodgson, of Mount Holly. "When he looked at me I knew something wasn't right."

Hodgson, who was on the phone with his mother at the time, quickly realized the man had Down syndrome and with her help got a hold of N.J. State Police, which handles policing in the township.

The man told Hodgson that he had pain in his stomach and was on his way to the doctor's. Hodgson believes he was headed toward the nearest hospital, Virtua Memorial, four miles away across busy and dark roads in Mount Holly.

Hodgson noticed the man was cold, and gave him his jacket to warm up. After speaking for more than an hour, State Police were able to track down his residence and take the man back home to his mom safe and sound.

"[My coworkers and I] have no idea what would've happened if I never stopped," Hodgson said.

Hodgson's employer, BMS Towing and Recovery in Burlington, posted the story on its Facebook page where it drew more attention than Hodgson expected.

"It was no big deal for him, but it turned out to be a big deal because I guess there aren't too many people out there who would do that," said BMS co-owner Heather Grove. "He's a really good, kind-hearted person and he goes above and beyond. We're lucky to have him on our team."

Michelle Caffrey may be reached at mcaffrey@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ShellyCaffrey. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.