An 8-year-old boy named Asa is now paralyzed after being struck by a stray bullet on the freeway near Oakland, California. His family and friends are raising money through a GoFundMe page to pay for medical expenses.
According to KRON 4, California Highway Patrol says Asa was hit while riding in the car on Interstate 580 near Grand Avenue on July 14. They believe Asa and his family were caught in the middle of a gun battle between two vehicles.
Police say the suspect vehicles are a dark gray SUV and a maroon-colored SUV. According to NBC News Bay Area, no arrests have been made so far.
Asa’s family says bullet and bone fragments lodged into Asa’s neck and spinal cord, leaving him a quadriplegic. According to the GoFundMe page, he will require a mechanical respirator, tube feeds for nutrition and 24-hour, around-the-clock nursing care.
“We’re fiercely committed to doing everything we can to help Asa thrive which includes supporting his return to home life, school, and being the energetic, creative, and high-spirited 8-year-old he is,” the GoFundMe page says.
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The page outlines the costs that donations will be put towards:$150,000+ for home renovations and equipment for Asa’s homes; $45,000+ for transportation and mobility and $55,000+ for rehabilitation and education.
The fundraiser has raised over $837,000, surpassing its goal of $500,000. Those wishing to donate can contribute here.
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