A family is seeking justice after a family member was shot seven times in Stockton, California, in what is considered a hate crime.
ABC News reports that Bobby Gale, A 45-year-old black man and father of five, was seriously injured in an unprovoked attack last Friday (October 8th). His brother, Marlon Galesaid Bobby had just finished construction work at a restaurant when the shooting took place.
“This big truck came and almost hit them. So my brother says, “Hey, slow down,” Marlon Gale said ABC News. “According to my brother and the man who was with him, his friend, the man got out of the truck, the white man, and he had a gun, and he started saying the n-word over and over and started shooting at my brother.”
Bobby Gale was shot seven times, including in the face. His condition is stable according to his family.
Immediately after the shooting, Gail left a voicemail to his brother that he had been shot and asked him to pray.
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“It was a miracle. God answers prayers and we are so grateful, “said Marlon Gale. “He is so happy to be alive and blessed to be with his family and children.”
The shooter is described as a white man about 30 years old, wearing a dark jacket and jeans. The Stockton Police Department described his vehicle as a later model Chevrolet Silverado with an extended cab with chrome wheels after the model. $ 10,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
Police also say they are investigating the shooting as a potential hate crime. Marlon Gale says the striker needs a higher power in his life.
“His heart is not right, the hatred that is inside him,” he said. “Yes, it was a hate crime and this person needs Jesus, this person needs prayer, this person needs to be brought to justice.”
“Our family, we never expected anything like this to happen. We love people. We are people who serve in the community and we love people of all backgrounds,” he added. “We believe in forgiveness, but this man definitely needs to be taken out of the street. He is dangerous.”