A night out at a popular bar in Houston turned into a nightmare for Darien Mann, a 29-year-old father who is now paralyzed from the stomach down after being caught in a shooting incident outside Lincoln Bar on Washington Avenue. Mann shared his harrowing experience exclusively with ABC13, revealing the physical and emotional toll the incident has taken on him.
The shooting occurred on March 2 when two men were involved in a fight inside the bar and were subsequently kicked out by security. As they entered a black SUV, someone from the vehicle began firing shots towards the bar’s entrance. Unfortunately, Mann, who was innocently waiting in line to enter the bar with two friends, was struck by one of the bullets.
Mann vividly recalled the moment he was hit, describing the immediate pain in his chest and collapsing to the ground. In a video call from his ICU bed at Ben Taub Hospital, he expressed how he believed he was not going to survive. The loss of blood and panic caused him to black out.
His friend Jonathan Doze, who was with him that fateful night, recounted the chaos and his desperate attempts to keep Mann alive until medical help arrived. Doze emphasized the importance of Mann speaking and breathing, urging him to stay conscious until the ambulance arrived.
Waking up in the hospital brought devastating news for Mann. Doctors informed him that the bullet had struck his spinal cord, resulting in paralysis from the stomach down. This news was particularly devastating for Mann, whose livelihood as a mortician relied heavily on physical labor. He expressed his frustration and disbelief at how one night of fun could permanently alter his life.
Despite the immense challenges ahead, Mann is determined to seek justice for what happened to him. He wants those responsible for the shooting to be apprehended and face the consequences of their actions. He voiced his concerns about the increasing violence in Houston, wondering why people are resorting to such extreme measures.
Doze, while acknowledging the difficult road to recovery that Mann faces, expressed gratitude that his friend is alive. He emphasized the importance of cherishing life, even in a wheelchair, and highlighted that Mann can still find joy and laughter in his circumstances.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to support Mann with his medical expenses, providing a way for the community to rally around him during this challenging time. Houston police are actively investigating the case but have not yet made any arrests. They are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in their efforts.
The story of Darien Mann serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from senseless acts of violence. It also highlights the resilience and determination of individuals in the face of adversity. As the community rallies behind him, Mann’s story serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of unity in seeking justice.
