Teen shot in back shares survival story

MIAMI (WSVN) -- A Miami teenager left completely paralyzed below the waist following a drive-by shooting was finally able to talk about his ordeal, Friday.

Fifteen-year-old Aaron Willis does not remember many details about the incident, which took place Dec. 19 at Northwest 28th Street and 1st Avenue near Wynwood. He has no feeling in his legs.

According to the victim, a white Nissan Maxima pulled up next to him and somebody inside the vehicle started firing at him.

"I didn't know they were shooting at first; it sounded like firecrackers, so I kept riding," said Willis from his bed at Holtz Children's Hospital inside Jackson Memorial Hospital. "Then I got hit and fell off the bike," he continued.

A single bullet hit Willis in the back and severed his spine. It is not certain whether Willis, a freshman at Booker T. Washington Senior High School, will be able to walk again.

"He's very active in sports, and his grades are good in school," said Sammy, the boy's father, who has remained by his son's bedside every day.

Sammy, who is wheelchair-bound himself, expressed his concern that his athletic son might not regain use of his legs. "You can only hope for a miracle," he said.

Willis' alleged shooter remains at large.

If you have any information on this crime, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS or Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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