Homeless man who helped put away cop-killer is given apartment

RIVERSIDE, Calif. -- A homeless man whose testimony helped put a cop-killer behind bars and touched many people's hearts is getting a permanent home.

In the last three months, Stephen McQueen has gone from living in his car, to a living in a hotel room and now an apartment.

McQueen gave Eyewitness News a tour of his one-bedroom apartment in Riverside.

For several months, McQueen had lived in his car until November 2015, when he attended the five-year memorial for Officer Ryan Bonaminio.

McQueen was the only eyewitness to the officer's murder and helped put the killer behind bars.

When Riverside Police Sgt. Debbie Foy discovered McQueen was on the streets, she helped get McQueen a nearly three-month stay at the Comfort Inn.

During that time, the Facebook group Random Acts of Kindness, Riverside stepped in and helped find McQueen a place to rent. The community donated furnishings, household wears and groceries.

On Thursday, many volunteers stopped by the 57-year-old's apartment with house warming gifts.

"It's taken everybody to come forward and work together as a team to get him off the streets and into a place," said Foy. "We're not done yet."

McQueen said he is grateful and humbled by the outpouring of support.

"It's been so many years since I've had my own place," he said. "I thank God for all these good people that treat me like someone they've known for many years, and yet I just met them a short time ago."