10News.com

Sustain San Diego
Holiday Gift Guide Button
Sustain San Diego
10 News Leadership Award
San Diego News
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters
Related To Story

Road-Rage Victim Talks About Getting Shot

POSTED: 10:30 pm PDT October 7, 2008
UPDATED: 10:49 am PDT October 9, 2008

It was a brazen shooting on the highway, as two friends were headed to the beach.

For the first time, the victim is sharing his harrowing and painful story.

10News Reporter, Michael Chen, spoke with him.

It was a week ago that Daniel Deluca, 21, was rushed to the hospital after being shot in the face.

He's out of the hospital now but the cause of his pain has yet to be taken out.

“It's like a numbing burning sensation, all along my face right here,” said Deluca, who said the pain is ever-present.

So, too, is a lingering reminder.

“Every time I clear my nose, I feel something moving,” he told 10News.

That something is a bullet, a near-deadly souvenir of a case of road rage.

“It makes me angry,” Deluca said.

“It's outrageous,” said Deluca's friend, Bud Shelton. He said he was cruising in his truck, driving at the speed limit on Interstate-8 near Morena, when a car tried to cut him off.

“It was a bang, a shatter of glass in an instant,” Shelton recalled.

A bullet smashed the rear passenger window and hit Deluca.

“All of a sudden, my head went woom woom, like constant, bleeding a lot, pretty numb” Deluca said.

A week later, the numbness has given way to agony.

“It's pretty intense. I woke up hurting like crazy,” Deluca recalled.

Doctors say the swelling must come down before they will determine if the bullet can be safely removed.

The uncertainty isn't the only thing causing Deluca anxiety.

He is unemployed and has no insurance.

“It’s stressful just thinking about it,” he said. “It feels like I have to pay a bill for the rest of my life.”

A reality made more painful, he said, knowing the shooter remains free.

Deluca said “I could see this happening to anybody. I would like to see the guy get caught.”

A fund has been established for Daniel Deluca at U.S. Bank, 610 West Washington, San Diego, CA 92103 Acct: # 153461678994

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
Before you splurge on that pricey remodeling project, beware. It may not pay you back when it's time to sell. More

Employers generally have options when it comes to hiring. Makes sure you present yourself as professionally as possible, or else. More

Want to lose weight? Get a diet and fitness plan customized for you from Jillian Michaels of TV’s Biggest Loser. MoreClick Here

The signs of Cancer can sometimes be very subtle. Here's a guide to help you recognize them early. More

Sponsored Links

2009 Holidays

With planning, realistic goals and a little bit of luck, stress-free travel with kids over the holidays can be a reality for your family. More