Teacher was carjacked on his Birthday!

Hi, I'm Kelsey. This GoFundMe is for my cousin Josh. If you haven't seen the news, there was a very violent carjacking and high-speed chase that started in Corona where my cousin was pumping gas. The man approached Josh, told him he needed his truck, but when my cousin refused (thinking it was a joke) the man shot his AR 15 in the air, a mere 2ft from Josh. He immediately backed up. The man yelled at him repeatedly "WHERE ARE YOUR KEYS?!" And it was at this point Josh knew he was in serious danger. The man found the keys (they were in the car) and took off. BUT THIS STORY IS JUST GETTING STARTED: When he took off in Josh's truck, he also had his phone. Josh's girlfriend called the phone expecting Josh to answer- as she had no clue any of this was going on- and the guy answered!!!!!! And proceeded to talk to Josh's girlfriend for 25 minutes. I can't share what they talked about, as this is an ongoing investigation, but I can share one very powerful story: When he was approaching the intersection that had a bunch of kids crossing in the crosswalk he said "I'm coming up on a bunch of kids. I don't know what to do, I don't want to hit them." The Girlfriend, who happens to be a 1st grade teacher, tells him "Don't you dare hit those kids. You're a Dad. You know how bad this would be. Those kids did nothing. You HAVE to wait." And he waited!!!! She is truly an Angel.

I'm starting this GoFundMe for my family because on a Teacher's budget, there's no way he's going to be able to replace his truck, and all he added to it, anytime soon- if at all. Insurance will likely help, but currently there’s no timeline from the insurance due to the investigation, and he needs transportation to and from work immediately. He's incredibly worthy of anything you are able to send. He is a Jr High teacher for 6th-8th graders. He LOVES his job and he's so so SO good at it. He volunteers his time to coach in a developmental basketball league for kids in elementary and Jr High. He even coached his girl's team to the Championship game tomorrow (March 5, 2023)! He's so protective of his students. He cares for them like they're his own kids. I know he is related to me, but I'm telling you, he's one of the most incredible human beings I know. He is so deserving of this, and we all know a teacher's budget cannot handle such a hit. His girlfriend is an elementary teacher too! And just as amazing. She handled, what was likely the craziest situation she's ever been in, like a true professional. She was calm, empathetic, level headed, and I have no doubt she saved so many lives.

I'm asking for any size donation. Every little bit helps! And if you're not in a place to donate, that's totally understandable. If you could share this fundraiser that would be just as helpful. Both Josh and his girlfriend will need some trauma counseling, so any donations raised will go to supporting Josh in paying for a new Truck and also paying for any/all counseling they both may need.

And the ultimate icing on this cake: It was his Birthday! 3/3/23 was his bday and he was filling up his truck to head home and go out to dinner for his birthday.

We are beyond thankful that nothing happened to Josh. He's alive and here with us and that is ultimately all we care about. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping out Cousin Josh! I know this will change his life, and your support will be part of that reason.

Love to you all!

-Kelsey