JACKSONVILLE, Fla -- He's a hero confined to a hospital bed and fighting for his life. All because he stepped up to help a stranger.
The 33-year-old father and Navy sailor, Brett Parks, heard a man scream for help and rushed in to try breaking up a robbery. His wife Susan says he didn't know that attacker had a gun.
Parks was shot once in the abdomen and rushed to the hospital. Doctors told his family he shouldn't have survived his injuries. But almost one week later, he is still hanging on.
"To be alone and think your entire world is just taken from you," Susan told Action News, with tears in her eyes.
Susan was home feeding her 16-month-old son when she got the call no Navy wife ever wants. Her husband Brett wasn't overseas, but he had been shot.
"Everything's numb from that point on," she said.
The mom-to-be grabbed her son, hopped in the car and made it to the hospital for one passing glance.
"I saw them roll him in but I wasn't fast enough."
Four surgeries later, Brett is still hooked up to life support. He risks amputation of his leg. He needs help breathing. But, he's alive. Doctors say it's a miracle.
"We're just waiting to speak to him. Look at him," she said. When asked what that moment will mean for her, "Everything. Everything. Everything."
Fighting for life all because this sailor is always putting others first. Even strangers. According to police, Brett was at the Colony at Deerwood Apartment complex. Susan says he was giving a personal training session there. He overheard a man screaming for help and ran out in time to try breaking up a robbery.
"He just walked straight up to Brett and shot him. Close range," Susan said.
Now this hero needs others to step up for him. Susan says she's learned the power of prayer is strong. And it's what's keeping her husband holding on.
"They made it clear to us he should not be here and it's something else a higher power, God and prayers and that's it."
Police say they have his attacker in custody -- 22-year old Courtney Phillips. He's being charged with armed robbery and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm. Susan says it puts her at ease knowing that man isn't on the streets harming anyone else.
Brett has been in the Navy for four years, currently stationed at NAS Jacksonville. He is originally from Miami. His daughter will be born in December.
