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Imagine being given a brand-new 2025 Ford F-150 pickup for free. Would you be willing to do what Richard did to get it?
Richard Prior was given a 2025 Ford F-150 pickup, valued at $70,000, in recognition of his heroic act. However, the reason he’s getting the new pickup is the real story.
It was anything but a typical Sunday morning at CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan. A gunman was there to harm the churchgoers that morning.
The peace turned to chaos.
Imagine yourself ready to walk out the door. The phone rings, and it’s your friend. He needs help moving some furniture, which you agree to do later in the day.
After the conversation, you glance at the clock and realize you’ll be late for the church service. So, you jump in your trusty 2018 Ford F-150, that’s been the best truck you’ve owned.
It’s approaching 100,000 miles, but it’s still running strong.
The sun is shining, it’s a beautiful day, and you are now focusing on getting to church and finding a seat. You are a deacon, and it won’t look good when you walk in late.
Then everything changes in an instant.
As you turn the corner, the church building comes into view. Out of the windshield, you see a man in a tactical vest, and he’s shooting at the church with a rifle in one hand and a handgun in the other.
You immediately dial 911 and tell the operator there is a shooter outside the church you attend.
As you pull into the parking lot, still on the phone with the 911 operator, you realize you have to do something.
The only weapon you have is your F-150 pickup. The shooter sees you and opens fire at your truck. With bullets flying, without hesitation, you aim your vehicle at the shooter and hit him as he’s firing both guns at you.
The truck strikes him, and the blow puts him on the ground long enough for the church’s security team to take aim and neutralize the threat. It all happened so quickly; the only thing you could do was react.
That’s how I envision the scene at CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan, on June 22nd.
A report from ABC News says the gunman was fatally shot after Richard ran down the shooter. Then the gunman was fatally shot by Jay Trombley, a church security team member.
Richard tells ABC News, “While I was on the phone with 911 relaying information, I realized there was no time,” he recalled. “I didn’t have a weapon on me or in the truck, so what are your options? It just happened. That’s where the Lord comes in.”
Heroism Recognized
Police Chief Ryan Strong lauded both Pryor and Trombley, crediting their swift actions with preventing what could have been a catastrophic mass shooting.
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Officials later indicated that the suspect, who had no prior criminal history, appeared to be suffering from a mental health crisis. Miraculously, only one security guard sustained non-life-threatening injuries, a testament to the quick response.
Pastor Bobby Kelly echoed the sentiment, telling the Associated Press, “I think that was the Lord leading him to do that. He hit this individual with his truck, drove right on the grass because he was shooting at the building at the time. And that certainly helped the team to be able to respond.”
Now, Richard Prior is given a new Ford F-150.
Richard’s 2018 F-150, his faithful companion, was rendered undrivable due to the damage it sustained during the incident.
News of Richard’s heroic act and his damaged truck reached Matthew Demmer, owner of Jack Demmer Ford. Demmer, deeply moved by Richard’s bravery, saw an opportunity for a meaningful gesture.
A New Truck, A Lasting Memory
Matthew Demmer decided to provide Richard with a brand-new 2025 Ford F-150. Richard received a two-year lease on the $70,000 truck, completely free of charge.
“For what he did, we should all be grateful because it could’ve been a heck of a lot worse,” Demmer stated.
Richard was certainly not expecting to get a new pickup.
During a press conference at the Ford dealership, Richard humbly expressed his gratitude. “I’m nervous but excited,” he said. “I’m just so thankful for everybody’s support, for everyone who reached out after the events that Sunday. Everything that transpired afterwards was unexpected, but I’m very grateful.”
Conclusion:
I guess that Richard would trade that new 2025 Ford F-150 for his 2018 F-150 if he could go back and undue what happened on that Sunday.
While the new Ford F-150 pickup is a generous gift, it serves as a powerful reminder of the day Richard Pryor became a hero.
Every time he steps into his new F-150, he’ll undoubtedly recall the terrifying scene and his courageous decision that saved countless lives.
His act of selflessness prevented a “large-scale mass shooting,” cementing his place as a true community hero.
Check out my Ford F-150 story: Ford Dealer Says, “The Ford F-150 Auto Stop-Start Is Killing Your Engine,” Then He Reveals Why and Shows You How To Disable It
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up to date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram
Photo credit: Denis Flierl
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Source: torquenews.com
