Man partly paralyzed in shooting given handicap accessible van
Posted:
Updated:
By Robin Schwartz Fox 2 News
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WJBK) -- Getting around on four wheels has been a big adjustment for 36-year-old Harry Weaver and now he has four more. A total stranger donated an amazing van to him.
Meanwhile, Richard Nickerson is charged with armed robbery, assault with intent to commit murder and other crimes. He is accused of opening fire on Weaver and a friend as they left a Masonic Temple on McDougall back in September.
"I certainly hope that he is punished to the full extent of the law," said Weaver. "It's unfortunate that he choose the path that he did."
Weaver suffered a spinal cord injury in the shooting and is paralyzed from the waist down, but he doesn't have time to be bitter. He has a two-year-old son and a baby on the way in March.
Disabled veteran Stacey Boyd saw his story and was inspired.
"The van has been sitting in my driveway for about a year and when I saw the story, I told me wife that I'm going to give him that van."
He did, but there is more. The van needed repairs. Advantage Mobility Outfitters in Wayne fixed a remote controlled ramp for free.
"We didn't think twice about offering our services in terms of providing the proper parts and labor," said Jeff Goldblatt.
Serra Chevrolet in Southfield did the detailing and got the engine running smoothly also free of charge.
"It couldn't happen to a better person to be able to get something donated like this," said Scott Bruyere with the dealership.
Weaver has taught countless local students a lesson of nonviolence running the Anti-Defamation League's Project No Place for Hate.
We were there when he checked out his new van for the first time.
"It's incredible," he said. "I can't say enough about everybody involved."
"It just reinforces what I already know to be the case. There are more good people than bad people."
Weaver will still have to go through training to learn how to use the hand controls to drive the van. He is expecting to do that in the next month, and if all goes well, he hopes to get back to work before the end of the year.
"Not only [did] I gave him a van," said Boyd. "I gained a friend also."
Boyd, who was injured in a car crash while serving in the Army is now acting as a mentor to Weaver. A bad situation brought some good people together and brought out the spirit of generosity and giving.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:51 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:51:26 GMT
A church community in Canton is reeling over the death of a young man. He was just married on Saturday and less than 24 hours later killed in a car crash on the way to the couple's honeymoon. His bride survived.
A church community in Canton is reeling over the death of a young man. He was just married on Saturday and less than 24 hours later killed in a car crash on the way to the couple's honeymoon. His bride survived.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 9:22 PM EDT2013-05-16 01:22:48 GMT
A Detroit-based startup is taking off and installing green energy systems across the globe. They are taking a unique approach using a network of expert "freelancers."
A Detroit-based startup is taking off and installing green energy systems across the globe. They are taking a unique approach using a network of expert "freelancers."
Monday, May 13 2013 6:19 PM EDT2013-05-13 22:19:48 GMT
A suspect is in custody after a bomb scare at Westland City Hall. We're told a man held a worker hostage as SWAT teams surrounded a building on Ford Road. Nobody was hurt.
A suspect is in custody after a bomb scare at Westland City Hall. We're told a man held a worker hostage as SWAT teams surrounded a building on Ford Road. Nobody was hurt.
Saturday, May 11 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-05-12 01:28:26 GMT
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing was among dozens of volunteers who came out to clean up various neighborhoods Saturday. It was all part of Motor City makeover, now in it's second weekend.
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing was among dozens of volunteers who came out to clean up various neighborhoods Saturday. It was all part of Motor City makeover, now in it's second weekend.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:38 AM EDT2013-05-22 11:38:56 GMT
A memorial service is this weekend for a newly married Detroit-area youth minister who was killed in a traffic accident as he and his wife were en route to their honeymoon in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
A memorial service is this weekend for a newly married Detroit-area youth minister who was killed in a traffic accident as he and his wife were en route to their honeymoon in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 2:28 AM EDT2013-05-22 06:28:15 GMT
More than 2,000 people were in attendance to hear Donald Trump speak at Oakland County's Lincoln Day Dinner. Before the event, he told reporters he believes Detroit is "on the right path."
More than 2,000 people were in attendance to hear Donald Trump speak at Oakland County's Lincoln Day Dinner. Before the event, he told reporters he believes Detroit is "on the right path."
Wednesday, May 22 2013 2:17 AM EDT2013-05-22 06:17:02 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:02 AM EDT2013-05-22 04:02:09 GMT
Detroit police believe a man in a surveillance photo is responsible for a kidnapping, carjacking, sexual assault and armed robbery on the city's east side.
Detroit police believe a man in a surveillance photo is responsible for a kidnapping, carjacking, sexual assault and armed robbery on the city's east side.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:59 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:59:19 GMT
Some Detroiters say their neighbor is hoarding dogs. She has been accused of doing it before. In 2011, 25 dogs were removed from her home, but we're told a case was never brought.
Some Detroiters say their neighbor is hoarding dogs. She has been accused of doing it before. In 2011, 25 dogs were removed from her home, but we're told a case was never brought.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:14 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:14:08 GMT
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 8:22 PM EDT2013-05-22 00:22:30 GMT
An expansive plan to merge two southeastern Michigan health systems into a single, $6.4 billion nonprofit organization with 10 hospitals has fizzled out.
An expansive plan to merge two southeastern Michigan health systems into a single, $6.4 billion nonprofit organization with 10 hospitals has fizzled out.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 8:17 PM EDT2013-05-22 00:17:22 GMT
We are learning more about the past of the man currently in police custody in connection with the murder of 35-year-old Sabrina Gianino.
We are learning more about the past of the man currently in police custody in connection with the murder of 35-year-old Sabrina Gianino. 42-year-old Myron Williams is on probation in Michigan for a drug paraphernalia charge. He also has quite a past in Louisiana.
