Community Comes To Aid Of Tulsa Man Who Stood Up To Drug Dealer

Lori Fullbright, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Last month, we told you about a former Army veteran who stood up to a drug dealer in his North Tulsa neighborhood. The drug dealer's response was to shoot up the man's truck and home with an SKS assault rifle.

After our story aired, several people stepped in to help repair the truck for free.

4/7/2011 Related Story: Neighbor Opens Fire On Tulsa Man Trying To Protect His Family

Joseph McDavid could barely contain his excitement at seeing his truck repaired and looking practically brand new.

Joseph McDavid: "Man, I thank you all, thank you all."
Worker: "It looks a whole lot different doesn't it?"
Joseph McDavid: "Yeah."

His truck was shot up in April when he and his wife had to dive behind it while bullets were flying everywhere. The suspect, Chris Carter, is still on the loose.

Storey Wrecker agreed to hook up and haul the truck from Tulsa to Claremore, free of charge.

Rogers County Sheriff Scott Walton saw the story and contacted Suburban Chevrolet in Claremore and at no cost, they willingly repaired the engine, which had extensive damage.

A Plus Mobile Auto Glass heard about it and replaced the windshields for free and Renew Auto Works donated all the body work to get rid of the bullet holes and repaint it.

"We're way past a handshake, we're way past a handshake. Blessing, blessing, blessing," Joseph said.

Viewers also contributed, sending in donations to help out.  All in all, a very nice group effort to help someone who was nearly killed, just trying to stand up for what's right.

"I grew up in North Tulsa and I hate to see all the destruction going on right now," Tim Kirk, with Suburban Chevrolet, said. "North Tulsa is a great place and we need to support each other in the community."

Joseph said his wife is right, angels don't just fly, they also walk and apparently work on cars, too. He said he's ready to get back to work and go fishing and is thankful for the outpouring of love.

"A lot of new friends, a lot of new friends," Joseph said. "No, I won't call ‘em friends. I'll call them family, a lot of new family!"