In an act of community support following a thwarted church shooting, local deacon Richard Pryor has been gifted a new Ford F-150 pickup truck. Pryor, who played a significant role in stopping a potential mass shooting at CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan, employed his previous truck as a means to halt the approaching gunman. The incident, which took place last June, resulted in Pryor's vehicle being heavily damaged by gunfire as he used it to ram the attacker. The dealership, Jack Demmer Ford in Wayne, handed over the new vehicle, valued at approximately $70,000, yesterday – a gesture to replace his shot-up 2018 Ford F-150, according to a report by WZZM 13.
When Pryor saw the armed man, later identified as Brian Browning, making his way towards the church, he acted quickly. "I'm just realizing there's no time," Pryor said, in a statement obtained by WZZM 13. Without a weapon, his decision to use his truck became pivotal, eventually leading security staff to fatally shoot the gunman. Despite the chaos, Pryor managed to likely prevent what could have easily escalated into a mass tragedy, as more than 100 people were attending the service, including children.
The dealership, which is located a short distance from the church, actively sought to recognize Pryor's bravery. "It's the next traffic light up the road," Matthew Demmer, owner of Jack Demmer Ford, said in a CBS Detroit report, underlining the proximity of the shooting to their business and their connection to the local community. The gift includes a two-year lease at no cost to Pryor who, while grateful, appeared subdued by the events that led to this moment. "This was a tragic event, but unfortunately, things like this, especially nowadays, can happen," Pryor expressed in an interview with CBS Detroit.
Pryor, who juggles three jobs in addition to his role as a deacon, was without a truck for several weeks prior to the dealership's gesture. "Definitely loving the Ford F-150s for sure," Pryor commented to ClickOnDetroit. He was also able to personally choose the color of the new truck. The community regard for his actions is apparent, with Demmer emphasizing that the gift was a way "to help and make sure that Richard had something to drive immediately," and to give back to a "humble hero.”
