Outpouring of support for elderly veteran who was shot, robbed

DETROIT (WJBK) - An outpouring of support for an eldery U.S. veteran who was shot and robbed in Detroit on Tuesday.

One day after Detroit police say two men robbed and shot 81-year-old Herman Garth, several people called FOX 2 wanting to help him.

Herman Garth is back home recovering from injuries shot in both legs during a carjacking early Tuesday morning outside Big Daddy's Liquor Store on Joy Road.

The Air Force veteran was on his way from the casino when two men targeted him. Police say they stole more than $700 from Garth and they stole his 2013 gray Chevrolet Cruz.

"I just hope they get caught and they don't hurt anybody else," Garth said.

"The fact that he's a veteran,  you make it back from war and you come back home only to be terrorized? He could have lost his life," said Ann Rudsill.

But now, you have people willing to help.

"You're wonderful," Rudisill said. "Thank you so much for your service."

"Thank you for being here with me," Garth said.

"I'm not going to leave you, we're going to do this together," Rudsill said. "Okay?" 

"Okay," Garth said.

Ann Rudisill is also an Air Force veteran who is connected to several organizations that provide food, clothing, and other resources for the men and women who served our country.

"I told him you know we're going to try to see if we can help give him a car," she said. "That may not happen overnight I told him, but we're going to try help get him a car. He deserves to have a way to get around."

A school teacher from Dearborn Heights also was moved after he saw the story. He paid a visit and gave Herman Garth a few hundred dollars out of his own pocket.

"What comes around, goes around," said Shyam Thakker, who said that Garth reminds him of his own father. "I'm excited about it and willing to help. I want walk away with a smile and I want to see him smile."

"That part feels wonderful to know there are other people out there that can help, willing to help," said Conuetta Wright, Garth's stepfather.

"I appreciate everything everybody is doing for me," Garth said. "I just hope everything gets better for me."

Garth did not get a good look at the two men who carjacked and shot him, so tips are needed. A cash reward is being offered to anyone with information leading to an arrest.

Anyone with information on the two suspects responsible for robbing and shooting Herman Garth should call Detroit police (313) 596-5200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.