They rode through the rain to honor a hero.
Florida - Motorcycle riders came from Orlando to honor Brandon Greisman, who was shot during a vicious attempted robbery in December at Headley Insurance in downtown Lake Wales. The ride was organized by Ride for Justice, a Central Florida motorcycle charity organization.
"I think it's awesome to see these people come together," Gresiman said. "I don't know them and they don't know me, but they came out to support me."
Accompanied by his wife and children, Greisman led the riders south on Scenic Highway from Orlando. The group of riders started out 50-strong, but because of the rain, only about 20 riders made it to Lake Wales. Greisman said one rider fell and hurt his arm.
"I can't thank them enough for this," Greisman said.
On Dec. 13, a man walked into Headley Insurance on Central Avenue in what police called an attempted robbery. Police said the man, identified later as Leon Davis Jr. of Winter Haven, tied up two women, doused them with gasoline and set them on fire. As they ran out of the building, Greisman, who lived just north of the business, heard the women scream and went to help them.
Davis shot at Greisman, but Greisman turned his head and the bullet grazed his nose.
Greisman will have reconstructive surgery on his nose Friday.
Juanita "Jane" Luciano and Yvonne Bustamante, the two women who Greisman helped, died within a couple of weeks after the robbery. Luciano's prematurely born son also died as a result of the attack.
The aunts of the two women, who were sisters-in-law, turned out Saturday in support of Greisman.
"We try to support him and be there as much as we can," said Alicia Littleton, Bustamante's aunt. "He didn't have to do what he did. We appreciate what he did for the girls."
Doug Bills, an Orlando attorney and founder of Ride for Justice, said a friend of Greisman's father told him the story of what happened in December and he wanted to help. Ride for Justice takes riders on trips in Central Florida to raise money for the cause they're helping. For Saturday's ride, each rider paid $20, and all of the money went to Greisman and his family.
Bills also presented a plaque to Greisman.
"This isn't just for Brandon, but for everybody here who was affected by that day in December," Bills said.
Lake Wales Mayor Alex Wheeler also attended the event to show support for Greisman, who is employed by the city in the Streets Department.
Source: The News Cheif
This article contributed by editor on Monday, July 14, 2008 (03:09:48)
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