A grown man used a gun to rob a seven year old of a bicycle and what's worse is that it happened inside the child's own yard. It happened on Iguana Street Extension on Friday morning. It's the story of a cowardly thief versus a courageous 7 year old. Keith Swift has the story.
Leslie Garcia,
"I saw him terrible, frightened, and he was screaming and told me, 'thank God mammy the man didn't shoot me.'"
Around 8:5 on Friday morning, seven year old Kevin was getting ready to go school he was standing in his own yard and on these very steps when a gunman approached and ordered him to hand over his bicycle.
Leslie Garcia,
"My son said that when he was putting up the in the house, a big black man came after him and he said, 'gimme the bike or I will shoot you.' He was afraid and so he gave it to the man and told the man to take it. But afterwards he remember that the bike was not for his aunty Jenny, it was for his other aunty and he ran after the man..."
Keith Swift,
Your son started to chase the man?
Leslie Garcia,
"Yes and he stopped in front of a big house, the man stopped with the bike, there were two more men, and the man stopped and kicked him (my son) and he dropped into the drain. I asked him why didn't he scream but he said he was frightened."
It didn't end there because before even calling for help, the brave 7 year old chased down the thief.
Keith Swift,
Did you ask you ask why he chased the guy?
Leslie Garcia,
"He said because said he wanted back the bike but he man stopped and kicked him and told him to go or else he would be shot. He said the man showed him a gun, a small gun."
It was a small gun but nonetheless a gun which is where this mother's fright turned into anger.
Leslie Garcia,
"I no care for the bike because we can buy a next one but he didn't need have to use a gun because he could have taken it and go but don't say to a little boy that you are going to shoot him. That is why I feel bad.
I just feel terrible because he is a child, he was in his uniform to go to school and this man came in our yard and did this. I feel terrible."
Keith Swift,
You seem emotional
Leslie Garcia,
"Yes. Every time I feel a way."
And now she is not sure if her children will be ever be safe again in their own yard.
Tonight, police have no suspects.
