Paralyzed Montgomery shooting victim Amy Dicks to get special van

Amy Dicks released a statement to Action 8 News on May 4 from the Shepherd Center in Atlanta./Source: Family of Amy Dicks

Amy Dicks, who was left paralyzed while caught in the crossfire of a shootout on Atlanta Highway in April, is receiving a specially-equipped van thanks to Toyota of Montgomery.

Monday afternoon, Toyota of Montgomery will present Dicks with the van, which is valued at more than $100,000.

Dicks’ story has been covered extensively  on Action 8 News and has captured the hearts of the Montgomery community.

ACTION 8 NEWS COVERAGE:

Woman shot on Atlanta Highway in Montgomery
Family of woman shot on Atlanta Highway releases statement
Montgomery citizens speak out against gun violence
ONLY ON 8: Amy Dicks calls for action from mayor and police
Hundreds attend dinner to help Amy Dicks in her recovery
Five suspects face charges in shooting that left Amy Dicks paralyzed
Benefit ride held to help Amy Dicks

In the afternoon of Friday, April 12, she was sitting in her car on Atlanta Highway near Eastern Boulevard when shots were fired by people in two vehicles. Dicks was caught in the crossfire and was shot in the arm and torso. A bullet pierced her spine and left her paralyzed from the chest down.

She is finally returning home after months of treatment and rehabilitation.

Following a visit to the hospital where he met Dicks, Brett Sutherlin, CEO of Sutherlin Automotive Group, was moved by both her resilience and the difficult circumstances she is enduring. In response, he reached out to the Dicks family and offered to cover all expenses for a fully accessible van to support her mobility and independence.

“We are profoundly touched by Amy Dicks’ strength and courage. Providing her with this accessible van is a small gesture to help someone who has faced such tremendous adversity. After meeting her and understanding her situation, it became clear how vital this support is. Our thoughts and support are with her and her family during this time,” Sutherlin said.

Authorities have arrested five people from Prattville and Millbrook in connection with the shooting.

Montgomery police have identified the suspects as: Michael Johnson, 20, and Javaris Anderson, 22, both of Prattville – charged with first-degree assault and two counts of firing a gun into an occupied vehicle. Je’Kwon Foster, 20, and Ji’Mecya Ford, 19, both of Prattville, and Tyrone Davis, Jr., 18, of Millbrook – Charged with firing a gun into an unoccupied vehicle

The shooting brought out people pleading with Montgomery city leaders to address a rise in violent crime.