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Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Surviving against all odds
2. Battling for survival
A man working at a Berkeley homeless shelter was attacked and shot, describing the harrowing incident in court. The man, Damon Foster, was helping residents when a new resident became agitated over milk quality, leading to a violent confrontation. Despite following deescalation training, Foster found himself with a gun pointed at his head. He managed to wrestle the gun away from the attacker, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds in the process. The attacker, Jamar Scott, was later arrested and charged. Foster’s resilience and the community’s support helped him survive the ordeal, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by those working in homeless shelters.
1. Battling for survival
2. Struggling for survival
A man who was viciously attacked and shot outside the Berkeley homeless shelter where he worked shared his harrowing experience in a recent court hearing in Oakland.
The Incident
Describing the events that unfolded on Jan. 7, the man, identified as Damon Foster, was on duty as a staff liaison at Harrison House, located at 711 Harrison St. His role involved distributing supplies and ensuring the safety of residents.
Early that morning, as Foster was setting out breakfast at 5:30, a new resident voiced dissatisfaction with the quality of the milk. Despite the resident’s escalating agitation, Foster followed his de-escalation training and maintained his composure.
Seeking to diffuse the situation, Foster stepped outside to retrieve cough drops from his parked car. Little did he know, this innocent act would lead to a life-threatening confrontation.
The Attack
As Foster emerged from his car, a chilling sight greeted him—a gun pointed directly at his head by the disgruntled resident, later identified as Jamar Scott, aged 35. Scott, a recent addition to the shelter, unleashed a wave of violence that would forever alter Foster’s life.
A fierce struggle ensued, with Foster desperately grappling for control of the weapon. Despite sustaining three gunshot wounds, Foster’s sheer determination and adrenaline-fueled resolve propelled him to fight on.
The Aftermath
Thanks to the swift action of shelter residents and the Berkeley Police Department’s Special Response Team, Foster was swiftly ushered to safety and transported to a medical facility. His injuries, including six gunshot wounds to his thighs, required urgent medical attention.
In the aftermath of the traumatic incident, Foster underwent surgery for nerve damage and continues to grapple with the physical and emotional aftermath of the attack.
The Legal Proceedings
Following a meticulous investigation, Jamar Scott was apprehended and now faces a slew of charges, including assault with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a felon. His prior criminal record, marred by convictions for drug sales and domestic violence, paints a troubling picture of his past.
Walter Mitchell, another individual implicated in the shooting, has already been convicted of gun possession by a felon and is currently on probation.
Conclusion
As Foster navigates the arduous road to recovery, the repercussions of that fateful morning continue to cast a long shadow. The resilience and fortitude he displayed in the face of adversity serve as a testament to his unwavering spirit.
Through the lens of this chilling incident, the community is reminded of the enduring impact of senseless violence and the importance of unity in the face of adversity.
