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 during an unprovoked attack last Friday (October 8th). His brother, Marlon Galesaid Bobby, who had just finished construction work on a restaurant when the shooting happened.
“That big truck came in and almost hit them. So my brother says, ‘Hey, slow down,'” Marlon Gale told 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. According to his family, he is in stable condition.
Immediately after the shooting, Gail left his brother a voicemail saying he had been shot and asked him to pray.
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“It was a miracle. God answers the prayer and we are so grateful,” Marlon Gale said. “He is so happy to be alive and blessed to be with his family and children.”
The shooter is described as a white man in his 30s, wearing a dark jacket and jeans. The Stockton Police Department described his car as a late model Chevrolet Silverado truck with an extended cab with shock-absorbing, chrome wheels. A $ 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 wrong, the hatred that is inside him,” he said. “Yes, it was a crime of hatred and this man needs Jesus, this man needs prayer, this man must 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 from all walks of life,” he added. “We believe in forgiveness, but this man definitely needs to be taken out of the street. He is dangerous.”