Family gives update on Searcy teen shot in neck; police say gunman was deported twice
SEARCY, Ark. – A teen shot in the neck before Mother's Day still has months in the hospital before the doctors decide what to do with the bullet in his neck, according to his father, Antonio Toledo, who gave an update Wednesday.
Isaiah Toledo is alert and his condition is stable, apart from some recent blood pressure scares, according to his father.
'He's been strong. He's been brave,' Antonio said. 'He has good spirit, but here or there he stays quiet and we can see his face. He's a little sad.'
Man arrested after Searcy teen shot in neck during Mother's Day weekend
The bullet that hit Isaiah Toledo didn't just stop in his neck, it stopped his way of life. The Searcy athlete driving home from a graduation party can't even hold a ball in his hand now because he's paralyzed from the neck down.
His family is praying for a miracle as doctors wait to see how his condition improves with time.
'The nerves might be damaged but not completely broke, so they want to wait, letting his body heal in its own way, get strong, and then see what they can do,' Antonio explained.
Antonio Toledo has been by his son's side every day since they arrived at Arkansas Children's Hospital, but due to life's expenses, he returned to work for the first time Wednesday. It is not where he wants to be most, but where Isaiah needs him most.
'He questions a lot about what are you going to do now? What are you guys going to do with me? And the answer is we're going to love you,' Antonio said.
Love is pouring in across the community. Many classmates have visited Isaiah in the Arkansas Children's Hospital. Teammates from the Searcy High School soccer team sent a heartfelt message before competing in a state championship.
'We all love you very much and we're all praying for you,' one teammate said.
Searcy father speaks out after son was shot in the neck, police say accused gunman was previously deported
The Searcy Lion Band Booster Club, local restaurants, and even the local ambulance service have collected more than $10,000 through fundraisers. Fundraisers continue Saturday, May 31, with a 5K at 9 a.m. on Bostic Road.
Donations for Isaiah's recovery can be made in person, via mail or online. Direct donations can be given in person or mailed to any First Community Bank. Online donations can be made through or .
Antonio said more than $25,000 has been directly donated to the family, and that Isaiah is fighting for everyone fighting for him.
'Now that this has happened, they (the family) understand how much people know who we are, and the response we get from them has been a blessing because at this point, if it had been just me, we would be lost,' Antonio said.
Searcy Police say Candelario Gameros-Ante, the immigrant arrested for shooting Isaiah, was deported twice from the country, instead of just once, as they originally thought.
Searcy community supporting teen shot in neck during Mother's Day weekend
Gameros-Ante's first court appearance is set for July 8. Isaiah's family wants justice, but right now they are focused on healing.
'I tell him, you know, just keep your spirit up. Stay strong, and then we will come out of this, and then someway, somehow, I say we just wait for God to give us a miracle and you go back in the stream and fish and play soccer again,' Antonio said.
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