Reedley community rallies behind man who lost eye in road rage shooting

REEDLEY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Weeks after a Reedley man was shot during a violent case of road rage in Fresno County, members of his church organized a car wash fundraiser to help support him and his family.

Organizers say in total they washed about 150 cars and raised more than $2,000 Saturday.

22-year-old Angel De La Cruz of Reedley is facing a long road to recovery, and his family and friends are asking one question: Why?

"Not sugar coating it at all; a lot of us are bitter," said Edgar Baltazar, who works closely with De La Cruz.

Edgar Baltazar is a young adult pastor at Redeemer's Church in Reedley, where he sees De La Cruz often.

The pair also coach boys' volleyball together at Immanuel High School.

De La Cruz was on his way home from a tournament on July 11 when he was shot.

RELATED: Reedley man loses eye in road rage shooting on Highway 180 in Fresno County

He and his two friends were on Highway 180 near McCall in Fresno County when they got into a confrontation with another driver.

The California Highway Patrol says the man in the other car shot De La Cruz in the head.

As a result, De La Cruz lost his eye.

Almost a week later, CHP officers arrested 23-year-old Devin Shane Atondo in Sanger.

RELATED: CHP arrests Sanger man in connection with Highway 180 shooting

Baltazar says now that Atondo is behind bars he can now focus on helping De La Cruz's family.

Saturday, the pastor organized a car wash to raise money for them.

He still visits his friend often -- only now, while De La Cruz lies unconscious in a hospital bed.

While Baltazar says De La Cruz has started to show signs of improvement, it's difficult to see him that way, but he is trying to forgive Atondo.

"A lot of us are angry. But, if Angel were awake right now, he would be saying the same thing: If Christ forgives, why can't we?" said Baltazar.

Atondo will face charges including attempted murder next week in court.

De La Cruz's family and friends are hoping Atondo will be held responsible.

"The biggest thing is that justice is served for Angel. But I have this heart right now where as much as I'm bitter, I also just pray for repentance. I really hope that the suspect really understands the hurt that he put the family through, but I hope he sees just how much the community loves Angel," said Baltazar.

Saturday's car wash was the first of several fundraisers to help cover De La Cruz's medical expenses.

Baltazar is helping organize a volleyball tournament to raise money, which is expected to take place Saturday, August 1 at Immanuel High School.

You can also donate through the family's GoFundMe page.