That Sunday afternoon Stephen Willford vacationing at home.
And a minute later raced with a rifle to Church in Sutherland springs, to enter into a gunfight with Devin Patrick Kelly, killed 26 people.
Stephen Willford did not even have time to put on shoes. 55-year-old plumber experienced shooter and probably saved the lives of many people, as it is unknown how long would Kelly continued to shoot.
«My daughter called and told me about the gunshots,» said the man 40/29 News TV.
«I grabbed the rifle, a full magazine, and ran. Shots were heard one after the other, very, very fast, and I felt that they are not accidental, that man shoots someone.»
When Wilford saw Kelly between them, a gun battle ensued, during which Steven was hiding behind the truck. He managed to get to where Kelly’s body was not covered the bulletproof vest.
«I knew that he was. When he sat in his car, I shot through the side window, but he gave the gas,» continued Wilford.
Then the man saw the pickup at the bus stop, ran up to him and told the driver that they need to catch up arrow. It happened when the car Kelly drove off the highway. The shooter was found dead behind the wheel.
Four generations of the family of Stephen Willford lived in Sutherland springs. He had many friends among those who that day went to Church.
The man himself does not consider himself a hero. «I think that God protected me and gave me the strength to do what was necessary,» said Willford.
