SAN ANTONIO — For the past seven years, Nathaniel Perry has set up shop on San Antonio's west side, selling shoes, clothing and electronics.
On the evening of July 3, he was set up along the 8200 block of Marbach Road when a two-car accident sent one of the vehicles into his stand, striking him.
As Perry was on the ground fighting for his life, some came to his aid. But others began stealing his merchandise.
"I got one person telling me, 'You're going to live.' Another person is in the background, like thinking I'm going to die," Perry said. "It seemed like he was asking me to clear his conscience, if he could have this pair of shoes."
Witnesses tell Perry his truck was ransacked as soon as he was hit. He says about $15,000 worth of items were taken, including shoes and electronics.
Perry also suffered numerous injuries, including a punctured lung and broken rib.
Although he didn't ask for help, the community is rallying together with GoFundMe donations. Perry is the primary caretaker for his family, including his wife, who is also a veteran.
"Because of the love that I've seen that's coming back towards me, it's helped me to overlook the hurt," he said. "The hurt of individuals thinking I'm going to die, and thinking it's a great time to just kick a man when he's down."
Investigations with the San Antonio Police Department are working to try and recover some of the stolen items. If you would like to help here is the link to the GoFundMe.
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