Butte’s ‘Stevie’ out of ICU

By The Standard Staff - 08/15/2008

Butte’s shoe-shine man was out of intensive care and resting in a hospital room Friday afternoon after being struck by a pickup truck the day before.

Stevie Faulkner, 59, was hit by the vehicle while attempting to cross Harrison Avenue about 5 p.m. Thursday. He was transported to St. James Healthcare, where he spent the evening in the intensive care unit. A nursing supervisor listed his condition at that time as stable.

Sheriff John Walsh said Faulkner was walking south along the 3800 block of Harrison Avenue when he attempted to cross the street and was hit by a 1998 Ford pickup truck.

Walsh said Faulkner suffered a gash to his head and scrapes.

The driver of the truck wasn’t speeding and alcohol wasn’t involved, the sheriff said. No charges or citations will be issued, Walsh said.

Walsh said Faulkner often spends the day walking along Butte streets, which puts him at some risk. Faulkner was last hit by a car and suffered minor injuries in March 2006.

Faulkner is known for roaming around town with an old shine box and giving inexpensive shoe shines.