NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — An Uber driver in Nashville was robbed and shot in the head. He has a long road to recovery, but his family says he's grateful he's alive.
It was on December 30 at 6:45 p.m. when officers were dispatched to 817 18th Avenue N. due to the victim being shot in the neck. The victim, Josh Rowe, is an Uber driver.
According to information from Metro Police officials, Rowe was driving to an address on Lena Street near Clifton Avenue to pick up a person named Brandon.
As they were traveling on Herman Street, police say the suspect pulled out a handgun and shot Rowe in the neck.
Rowe then got out of his car and began walking on 18 Avenue N. as police were called to the scene. The suspect left the scene in Rowe's car, a Toyota Prius. The Prius was recovered the next day in a vacant lot on Lena Street.
"We’re just praising God from whom all blessings flow, and we’re gonna allow the law to do their job and we’re gonna trust that God did this miracle and the other person will, they’ll find them," said Donna Riordan, Rowe's mother.
Rowe was rushed to the hospital where he was fighting for his life and won.
"The angels of mercy at Vanderbilt Medical Center in the trauma unit took care of him and saved his life and we can’t thank them enough," said Riordan
Rowe was able to go home Tuesday and even though his mouth is wired shut, his spirit is speaking loudly. He will need months of recovery, but the healing has already begun. As seen in a note to his mother from his hospital bed.
"He wrote mom I love you and right under it said I forgive him," she said.
The family just wants the shooter off the streets.
"Our goal is to find him, and that justice is served and that no other mother has to get that call by his hands," Riordan said.
As a musician, Rowe is ready to get back to work.
"He already wants to start on this next album and play the guitar so Josh will be doing most of his own rehab himself; because anything he can do to get back doing what he loves is what he’ll do," his mother said.
And with support from family and strangers, his mother says he’ll get there.
"Right now, Nashville is hurting, and they need to hear a story of hope, I will tell you this is a story of hope and of healing and God still loves Nashville," said Riordan.
Rowe will need to take off work and pay for medical expenses. His friends and family set up a GoFundMe account for assistance.
