Family members of man injured in Palm Springs Thanksgiving shooting speak out
A man shot in Palm Springs on Thanksgiving night is recovering and expected to survive. Palm Springs Police confirmed Friday morning, that just after 10:00 Thursday night, the victim left his daughter's house and began driving on Granada Avenue from Palm Vista.
Police say as the man drove past a group of people standing on a street corner, near that intersection, he began hearing gunshots and realized he had been shot himself. The victim drove himself to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The victim's daughter, Miriam Bravo, and son-in-law, Andre Bravo, said the gun violence in their neighborhood needs to stop. Miriam said she is lucky her father is still alive after being shot in the leg. However, other shootings in the neighborhood have ended up deadly.
“To be able to stand here today and say that I'm here with my father and that he's alive- that's something that these people can't say anymore," said Miriam. “I can't even show my son how to ride his bike in our own community because I don't know who's going to be at the corner.”
The Bravos said gun violence in their neighborhood happens too often, especially around holiday celebrations. With Christmas around the corner, they said they're worried.
“You know, we're planning to celebrate and now it's, you know, we're asking ourselves, do we?" said Andre. "You know, our father just got shot at... It's okay to emphasize hood but let's put the same emphasis on neighbor. Let's lookout after each other.”
The couple is pleading for accountability and changes for their community. They suggest regular patrolling by police in the area.
“If we know that these things happen, most of the time at these points, why not be here before they can happen?" said Andre.
Other nearby residents said they are looking for peace as well.
“I mean, us coming together and talking to your neighbors, having the police wave and talk to our community and treat us like human beings. That's all we're asking for," said resident Shawnda Thomas Faveau.
Palm Springs Police is asking anyone who may have been in the area of Palm Vista and Granada and witnessed the shooting or may have information about the shooting to call 760-327-1441. Information can also be reported anonymously to CrimeStoppers at 760-341-7867.
“I'm grateful that my father is with me, but you know, I'm done. We're done," said Miriam. "We need the community to speak out. We need the community to come together and be a neighbor not just a hood anymore.”
