Deric Hoffman, A Real Hero ***Please Read***
#1
04-30-2009, 08:30 AM
Deric Hoffman, A Real Hero ***Please Read***
I wanted everyone to know about someone I know who is in a serious fight for life. Deric Hoffman is in intensive care after sustaining an unbelievable total of 16 seperate holes from being shot with a 9mm handgun.
Here is the story from the Commercial Appeal:
Police Report: Boy calls police to shooting site in East Memphis : Local News : Memphis Commercial Appeal
Deric used his body as a human shield to save this 11 year old boy from certain death at the hands of a crazed ex-boyfriend intent on killing him after brutally executing his mother.
Deric literally carried the boy, running out of the apartment, the entire time being shot repeatedly. Deric was struck by as many as 13 or 14 rounds, and yet was fighting his way to get to his truck, and to his personal firearm, in order to stop the ex-boyfriend. He collapsed before making it to the truck. He has a CCW permit and works for the city as a Memphis Housing Authority Police Officer.
He has already had multiple surgeries and will require many more. He had a couple fingers shot off, multiple rounds to the abdomen, two rounds to the groin that caused major damage, rounds to the shoulder, neck and back, and yet still walked to the ambulance when it arrived.
Although not a full Memphis Police Officer, this hero had a 30 car escort to the trauma center downtown, the entire route blocked off by officers who had exited their patrol cars and held their hands over their badges as a sign of respect and hope for his recovery.
If you have the desire, a donation account has been opened to help pay for the cost of Deric's recovery,since he has no medical insurance.
You can donate through Paypal to the email address DonationsForDeric@Gmail.com
Or click this link:
Here is the story from the Commercial Appeal:
Police Report: Boy calls police to shooting site in East Memphis : Local News : Memphis Commercial Appeal
Police Report: Boy calls police to shooting site in East Memphis
By Staff Reports
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Two people were shot to death and a third person was critically injured during a domestic incident in East Memphis early Tuesday.
Police got two calls about 1 a.m. from the Lynnfield Square apartments at 1429 Sycamore Bend.
The first call was about a prowler; the second came from an 11-year-old boy.
When officers arrived, the boy and Deric Hoffman, 22, who'd been wounded several times, ran out of the apartment, police said.
Hoffman was taken to the Regional Medical Center at Memphis in critical condition. The boy wasn't hurt.
Another man in the apartment refused to open the door and wanted to talk with a negotiator.
The Memphis Police TACT team entered the apartment and found a 39-year-old woman who died at the scene, police said. The man, who was 46 years old, was taken to The Med, where he died. Investigators had not released their names late Tuesday.
Police director Larry Godwin said Hoffman had enrolled in the department's training academy but was released in August 2006 for failure to complete the physical training portion.
By Staff Reports
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Two people were shot to death and a third person was critically injured during a domestic incident in East Memphis early Tuesday.
Police got two calls about 1 a.m. from the Lynnfield Square apartments at 1429 Sycamore Bend.
The first call was about a prowler; the second came from an 11-year-old boy.
When officers arrived, the boy and Deric Hoffman, 22, who'd been wounded several times, ran out of the apartment, police said.
Hoffman was taken to the Regional Medical Center at Memphis in critical condition. The boy wasn't hurt.
Another man in the apartment refused to open the door and wanted to talk with a negotiator.
The Memphis Police TACT team entered the apartment and found a 39-year-old woman who died at the scene, police said. The man, who was 46 years old, was taken to The Med, where he died. Investigators had not released their names late Tuesday.
Police director Larry Godwin said Hoffman had enrolled in the department's training academy but was released in August 2006 for failure to complete the physical training portion.
Deric literally carried the boy, running out of the apartment, the entire time being shot repeatedly. Deric was struck by as many as 13 or 14 rounds, and yet was fighting his way to get to his truck, and to his personal firearm, in order to stop the ex-boyfriend. He collapsed before making it to the truck. He has a CCW permit and works for the city as a Memphis Housing Authority Police Officer.
He has already had multiple surgeries and will require many more. He had a couple fingers shot off, multiple rounds to the abdomen, two rounds to the groin that caused major damage, rounds to the shoulder, neck and back, and yet still walked to the ambulance when it arrived.
Although not a full Memphis Police Officer, this hero had a 30 car escort to the trauma center downtown, the entire route blocked off by officers who had exited their patrol cars and held their hands over their badges as a sign of respect and hope for his recovery.
If you have the desire, a donation account has been opened to help pay for the cost of Deric's recovery,since he has no medical insurance.
You can donate through Paypal to the email address DonationsForDeric@Gmail.com
Or click this link:
Last edited by Sid 6.7; 04-30-2009 at 08:49 AM.
#3
04-30-2009, 10:23 PM
Here is what happened:
Deric was vising the mother and child. The ex-boyfriend showed up and came through the front door with a key he still had. he confronted them will a pistol, that is now being confirmed as a .40 cal. Deric fought with the man, in the process taking several rounds.
When the ex then turned to shoot the boy, Deric shielded the boy with his body, taking rounds as he carried the boy out the front door and down stairs to the parking lot. He took between 12-14 rounds of ball FMJs resulting in 16 holes.
The ex went back into the apartment and locked the doors. Deric tried to make it to his truck and his weapon, but collapsed just as the first officer arrived on scene. The first responder happened to be a friend of Deric's. The officer applied pressure to as many holes as he could, and did not let go until they were wheeling him straight into the OR.
The medics showed up and Deric actually walked to the ambulance and climbed in under his own power. They then transported him to the only Level 1 trauma hospital in the city, which happens to also be one of the best hands down trauma centers in the world, The Med.
The ex, locked up in the apartment with the mother, then began negotiations with the Tactical Squad that had been dispatched and already arrived on scene.
The TACT unit was making preparations to breach, when they heard gunfire from inside the apartment. They breached instantly, and found the man had executed the mother with a shot to the back of the head and had also taken his own life.
Here is a post I made on the local forum where Deric is a member:
And here is a update from one of his best friends, Nate:
Here is the link to the local forum, if any wish to post their well wishes there. http://www.memphisracingscene.com/vb...ad.php?t=50461
Guys, I talked to Deric today and told him what people on the forums are saying and the fact that one of you has already donated $50, and it brought tears to his eyes and smiles to his face. He can't speak since he is intubated, but it is clear that he is deeply moved by what you guys are saying to him and about him.
On behalf of his mom, dad, sister, friends and family, thank you so much for your kindness and generosity!
Deric was vising the mother and child. The ex-boyfriend showed up and came through the front door with a key he still had. he confronted them will a pistol, that is now being confirmed as a .40 cal. Deric fought with the man, in the process taking several rounds.
When the ex then turned to shoot the boy, Deric shielded the boy with his body, taking rounds as he carried the boy out the front door and down stairs to the parking lot. He took between 12-14 rounds of ball FMJs resulting in 16 holes.
The ex went back into the apartment and locked the doors. Deric tried to make it to his truck and his weapon, but collapsed just as the first officer arrived on scene. The first responder happened to be a friend of Deric's. The officer applied pressure to as many holes as he could, and did not let go until they were wheeling him straight into the OR.
The medics showed up and Deric actually walked to the ambulance and climbed in under his own power. They then transported him to the only Level 1 trauma hospital in the city, which happens to also be one of the best hands down trauma centers in the world, The Med.
The ex, locked up in the apartment with the mother, then began negotiations with the Tactical Squad that had been dispatched and already arrived on scene.
The TACT unit was making preparations to breach, when they heard gunfire from inside the apartment. They breached instantly, and found the man had executed the mother with a shot to the back of the head and had also taken his own life.
Here is a post I made on the local forum where Deric is a member:
I am up at the hospital now, on the computer in the waiting area. Saw Deric at 1:00pm and he was awake and fully alert, communicating by pointing at letters on a piece of paper.
I know for a fact he would be so encouraged by anyone and everyone who can make it up here to visit him. Even if it's only for a few minutes. Squeeze his hand, let him know we are all pulling for him.
And anything you guys might want to bring up, I know it will help. I brought some food, but I only had a few paper plates. So if people want to bring drinks, paper plates, things like that for the family who are basically living here in the waiting area.
And if people want to bring pictures, posters, magazines, whatever to decorate Deric's room, it will go a long way to brightening his spirit. We all know he's a car nut like the rest of us.
Donations have already started to come in. They are even coming from other forums, from people who don't know Deric at all, but are inspired by the story of this hero.
Anything you can do is appreciated and welcome. I for one don't have much disposable income, but there are other things we can do if we don't have cash.
I brought up a Guldstrand Z06 Corvette model car, and he just lit up. He lifted both arms and legs, seeming like he wanted to jump up out of bed to grab it. So yeah, posters, models, mags, anything would be great.
I know for a fact he would be so encouraged by anyone and everyone who can make it up here to visit him. Even if it's only for a few minutes. Squeeze his hand, let him know we are all pulling for him.
And anything you guys might want to bring up, I know it will help. I brought some food, but I only had a few paper plates. So if people want to bring drinks, paper plates, things like that for the family who are basically living here in the waiting area.
And if people want to bring pictures, posters, magazines, whatever to decorate Deric's room, it will go a long way to brightening his spirit. We all know he's a car nut like the rest of us.
Donations have already started to come in. They are even coming from other forums, from people who don't know Deric at all, but are inspired by the story of this hero.
Anything you can do is appreciated and welcome. I for one don't have much disposable income, but there are other things we can do if we don't have cash.
I brought up a Guldstrand Z06 Corvette model car, and he just lit up. He lifted both arms and legs, seeming like he wanted to jump up out of bed to grab it. So yeah, posters, models, mags, anything would be great.
ok guys here is an update. he is being prepped for the first round of the major surgeries. they are going to suck the fluid out of his lungs and start to sew his intestines back together. when we went in at five for the visit he was laughing and full of jokes. he can feel the love all of you are giving him and loves the fact that MRS is being there for him. i'll update if i hear anything throughout the night. for those that stop by don't be alarmed if i'm not around. i've been awake for over 81 hours straight and i have to sleep.
Guys, I talked to Deric today and told him what people on the forums are saying and the fact that one of you has already donated $50, and it brought tears to his eyes and smiles to his face. He can't speak since he is intubated, but it is clear that he is deeply moved by what you guys are saying to him and about him.
On behalf of his mom, dad, sister, friends and family, thank you so much for your kindness and generosity!
Last edited by Sid 6.7; 04-30-2009 at 11:11 PM.
#6
05-02-2009, 12:45 AM
C'mon people, seriously, the lack of response is honestly appalling. This forum has thousands of members reading the threads daily, and this is the response we give to a hero?!?! Only two people bothered to take a few seconds to say a few words.
Not one person from this forum has donated at all. Now I know we are all having financial problems, I myself am still unemployed looking for a job.
But I am certain some of you have disposable income and can donate even at least $1.00!
Step up and make FitFreak.Net shine as an example.
Not one person from this forum has donated at all. Now I know we are all having financial problems, I myself am still unemployed looking for a job.
But I am certain some of you have disposable income and can donate even at least $1.00!
Step up and make FitFreak.Net shine as an example.
Last edited by Sid 6.7; 05-02-2009 at 01:22 AM.
#7
05-02-2009, 12:46 AM
Police ID pair of slaying victims
Memphis Police have identified the two people killed in a domestic shooting incident early Tuesday morning.
Killed were Kimberly Maxwell, 39, and Emmet Townsend Jr., 46. Deric Hoffman, 22, remains in critical condition.
The incident began about 1 a.m. at the Lynnfield Square apartments at 1429 Sycamore Bend.
Police got two calls, one about a prowler and the second from an 11-year-old boy.
When they arrived, a wounded Hoffman ran from the apartment. The boy wasn't hurt.
After police entered, they found Maxwell, who died at the scene, police said. Townsend died later at the Regional Medical Center at Memphis.
Police are still investigating the incident and are awaiting a report from the medical examiner.
--Jody Callahan
Memphis Police have identified the two people killed in a domestic shooting incident early Tuesday morning.
Killed were Kimberly Maxwell, 39, and Emmet Townsend Jr., 46. Deric Hoffman, 22, remains in critical condition.
The incident began about 1 a.m. at the Lynnfield Square apartments at 1429 Sycamore Bend.
Police got two calls, one about a prowler and the second from an 11-year-old boy.
When they arrived, a wounded Hoffman ran from the apartment. The boy wasn't hurt.
After police entered, they found Maxwell, who died at the scene, police said. Townsend died later at the Regional Medical Center at Memphis.
Police are still investigating the incident and are awaiting a report from the medical examiner.
--Jody Callahan
#8
05-02-2009, 09:17 AM
this guy will make it, a hero would be an understatement. i will pray for him.
thanks for sharing this story Sid 6.7
thanks for sharing this story Sid 6.7
#10
05-02-2009, 10:10 PM
Update from Nate:
update. they let him chill in a lazy boy style chair today but there was a small scare this morning. turns out the ventilator is going to be staying in a little longer then expected. the machine had an issue and apparently he couldn't breathe on his own.
update. they let him chill in a lazy boy style chair today but there was a small scare this morning. turns out the ventilator is going to be staying in a little longer then expected. the machine had an issue and apparently he couldn't breathe on his own.
#11
05-04-2009, 03:37 PM
From Nate this morning:
just got back from the hospital. he's doing ok this morning. fever is down to 101 now which is good. they gave him some pain meds while we were in there and he got high as a mofo and started dancing and shit. it was a good morning.
just got back from the hospital. he's doing ok this morning. fever is down to 101 now which is good. they gave him some pain meds while we were in there and he got high as a mofo and started dancing and shit. it was a good morning.
#13
05-06-2009, 12:54 AM
Latest update from Nate:
alrighty guys here is todays update.
he is off of the ventilator and talking up a storm. he desperately wants a cherry coke slushy but can't have it. thats it for the good news, now on to the bad. his left lung has collapsed and they are having problems reinflating it. it looks like he will end up having to intubate him again. on friday they are going to rebuild his left hand and see what all is wrong with it. they also still have to go back in and connect his full intestine track.
alrighty guys here is todays update.
he is off of the ventilator and talking up a storm. he desperately wants a cherry coke slushy but can't have it. thats it for the good news, now on to the bad. his left lung has collapsed and they are having problems reinflating it. it looks like he will end up having to intubate him again. on friday they are going to rebuild his left hand and see what all is wrong with it. they also still have to go back in and connect his full intestine track.
#14
05-07-2009, 10:12 AM
Update from Tristan:
Here's tonight's update guys. He's been moved up to Jefferson D-528-2. It's a post trauma semi-private room. He skipped the step-down trauma rooms. He's doing awesome. He's having full conversations. He's still in alot of pain, but he's doing alot better than anyone could have expected.
Here's tonight's update guys. He's been moved up to Jefferson D-528-2. It's a post trauma semi-private room. He skipped the step-down trauma rooms. He's doing awesome. He's having full conversations. He's still in alot of pain, but he's doing alot better than anyone could have expected.
#16
05-08-2009, 01:40 AM
Update from Nate:
updates updates updates.
visiting hours have changed between 2pm to 8pm. we get six straight hours to kick it with him. males have the opportunity to spend an entire 24 hours with him. they are very lenient about the times and pretty nice to us up there. D 528-2 is the new room. take the blue elevator up to the fifth, hook a left, and go through the doors on the right. first door on the right. no more stickers, no more passes, just awesome. turns out the pneumonia was non-existent and the lung isn't collapsed. there is a tun of fluid in his lungs though and he still can't really break the fever. they took more blood to do cultures to see what is going on with that. tomorrow is hopefully going to be left hand surgery day and awesome. he is on a liquid diet now and he is very happy to finally drink something after ten days. once the pressure and swelling goes down they are going to look into making him a new belly to cover his stomach. the only thing covering it now is some mesh like a screen door, some gauze, and a girdle like thing. they are going to have to take some skin from his thigh and make a skin graph.
Update from Blake, a Memphis Police Officer:
I just left from there. They finally kicked us out at about 10:45. He is doing well.. we did have a pretty emotional moment though. He asked to see my badge and after looking at it a couple of min he started cry. I know the feeling he has, wanting something so bad but it seems out of reach. Hopefully he will make a full recovery were he can continue on to be an officer as he wants to be so badly. He made me want to cry sitting there watching him, you could see in his face how bad it hurt him and how badly he wants it. Other than that it was a good visit. He is doing so much better and it seems so fast.
updates updates updates.
visiting hours have changed between 2pm to 8pm. we get six straight hours to kick it with him. males have the opportunity to spend an entire 24 hours with him. they are very lenient about the times and pretty nice to us up there. D 528-2 is the new room. take the blue elevator up to the fifth, hook a left, and go through the doors on the right. first door on the right. no more stickers, no more passes, just awesome. turns out the pneumonia was non-existent and the lung isn't collapsed. there is a tun of fluid in his lungs though and he still can't really break the fever. they took more blood to do cultures to see what is going on with that. tomorrow is hopefully going to be left hand surgery day and awesome. he is on a liquid diet now and he is very happy to finally drink something after ten days. once the pressure and swelling goes down they are going to look into making him a new belly to cover his stomach. the only thing covering it now is some mesh like a screen door, some gauze, and a girdle like thing. they are going to have to take some skin from his thigh and make a skin graph.
Update from Blake, a Memphis Police Officer:
I just left from there. They finally kicked us out at about 10:45. He is doing well.. we did have a pretty emotional moment though. He asked to see my badge and after looking at it a couple of min he started cry. I know the feeling he has, wanting something so bad but it seems out of reach. Hopefully he will make a full recovery were he can continue on to be an officer as he wants to be so badly. He made me want to cry sitting there watching him, you could see in his face how bad it hurt him and how badly he wants it. Other than that it was a good visit. He is doing so much better and it seems so fast.
#17
05-08-2009, 11:16 PM
In this clip from the evening news NBC affiliate, they play a portion of the 911 tape from the 11 year old boy who's mother was murdered in this situation. It begins 1:50 into the clip, so bear with the weather reports and the tree on the car footage.
This tape was just released my MPD. The station has some of their facts incorrect in the reporting, but the tape at least gives you some insight into this event.
The shooter was pronounced DOA as soon as he arrived at The Med. The mother was shot in the head a period of time after this call was made, after the child and Deric had run outside, and after the shooter had locked himself and teh mother inside the apartment.
At the time of this call, Deric was fighting with the man and getting shot. Right after the boy makes this call, Deric grabs the child and heads out the door, being shot as he goes, while protecting the child.
WMCTV 911 Tape
More info as it becomes available.
This tape was just released my MPD. The station has some of their facts incorrect in the reporting, but the tape at least gives you some insight into this event.
The shooter was pronounced DOA as soon as he arrived at The Med. The mother was shot in the head a period of time after this call was made, after the child and Deric had run outside, and after the shooter had locked himself and teh mother inside the apartment.
At the time of this call, Deric was fighting with the man and getting shot. Right after the boy makes this call, Deric grabs the child and heads out the door, being shot as he goes, while protecting the child.
WMCTV 911 Tape
More info as it becomes available.
#19
05-25-2009, 09:50 PM
In his own words....
I've been home for about 3 days now and i am so glad to be out of that damn hospital ! Even though I'm so glad that they did save me! They told me i flat lined twice while I was in my first 2 surgeries! they waited till I was better before I found out about that. Anyway I am pretty upset about the whole thing I pray that no one ever has to go through what I did or have to make the decisions that I had to! People ask me what was it like, I respond by saying ignorance is bliss! Just know it really hurts! If I had to do it all over again, would I still fight for the child? yes I would! U have to figure I was already shot 5 times. I was on the Floor playing dead untill he was getting ready to kill the kid, at that point I was pissed off and in pain so I figured **** it im bout to die might as well try to fight and kill this ****er and save the kid! Well it kinda worked but I left with 8 more bullets in me. The doctors cant believe that i walked out of the Med on my own 2 feet after 7 surgeries and 4 weeks. I really want to thank everyone for thier support and prayers it all helped everything that everyone said touched me. Im typing with 3 fingers so it took me a while to get this typed.I plan on having a bbq or a restaurant meet everyone is invited ill post the date and place when i figure it out and ill tell you all the story in person! oh yea there will be beer! lol I really want to thank Nate, Jason, Tristan, and Blake for all they did! APPREACIATE YOUR LIFE! DONT **** AROUND YOU DONT WANT TO KNOW THE PAIN I FELT!
