[Sid 6.7]

Here is what happened:

Deric was vising the mother and child. The ex-boyfriend showed up and came through the front door with a key he still had. he confronted them will a pistol, that is now being confirmed as a .40 cal. Deric fought with the man, in the process taking several rounds.

When the ex then turned to shoot the boy, Deric shielded the boy with his body, taking rounds as he carried the boy out the front door and down stairs to the parking lot. He took between 12-14 rounds of ball FMJs resulting in 16 holes.

The ex went back into the apartment and locked the doors. Deric tried to make it to his truck and his weapon, but collapsed just as the first officer arrived on scene. The first responder happened to be a friend of Deric's. The officer applied pressure to as many holes as he could, and did not let go until they were wheeling him straight into the OR.

The medics showed up and Deric actually walked to the ambulance and climbed in under his own power. They then transported him to the only Level 1 trauma hospital in the city, which happens to also be one of the best hands down trauma centers in the world, The Med.

The ex, locked up in the apartment with the mother, then began negotiations with the Tactical Squad that had been dispatched and already arrived on scene.

The TACT unit was making preparations to breach, when they heard gunfire from inside the apartment. They breached instantly, and found the man had executed the mother with a shot to the back of the head and had also taken his own life.

Here is a post I made on the local forum where Deric is a member:

I am up at the hospital now, on the computer in the waiting area. Saw Deric at 1:00pm and he was awake and fully alert, communicating by pointing at letters on a piece of paper.

I know for a fact he would be so encouraged by anyone and everyone who can make it up here to visit him. Even if it's only for a few minutes. Squeeze his hand, let him know we are all pulling for him.

And anything you guys might want to bring up, I know it will help. I brought some food, but I only had a few paper plates. So if people want to bring drinks, paper plates, things like that for the family who are basically living here in the waiting area.

And if people want to bring pictures, posters, magazines, whatever to decorate Deric's room, it will go a long way to brightening his spirit. We all know he's a car nut like the rest of us.

Donations have already started to come in. They are even coming from other forums, from people who don't know Deric at all, but are inspired by the story of this hero.

Anything you can do is appreciated and welcome. I for one don't have much disposable income, but there are other things we can do if we don't have cash.

I brought up a Guldstrand Z06 Corvette model car, and he just lit up. He lifted both arms and legs, seeming like he wanted to jump up out of bed to grab it. So yeah, posters, models, mags, anything would be great.

And here is a update from one of his best friends, Nate:

ok guys here is an update. he is being prepped for the first round of the major surgeries. they are going to suck the fluid out of his lungs and start to sew his intestines back together. when we went in at five for the visit he was laughing and full of jokes. he can feel the love all of you are giving him and loves the fact that MRS is being there for him. i'll update if i hear anything throughout the night. for those that stop by don't be alarmed if i'm not around. i've been awake for over 81 hours straight and i have to sleep.

Here is the link to the local forum, if any wish to post their well wishes there. http://www.memphisracingscene.com/vb...ad.php?t=50461

Guys, I talked to Deric today and told him what people on the forums are saying and the fact that one of you has already donated $50, and it brought tears to his eyes and smiles to his face. He can't speak since he is intubated, but it is clear that he is deeply moved by what you guys are saying to him and about him.

On behalf of his mom, dad, sister, friends and family, thank you so much for your kindness and generosity!