Church elder shot for not giving up crucifix

NEW YORK

Francis Gabourel, 56, was shot twice because he would not give up the gold chain with a crucifix on it that he was wearing around his neck.

Gabourel was moving his white Range Rover early Monday for alternate side parking, at the corner of his block in Bedford-Stuyvesant, when the mundane chore turned bloody.

His daughter says her father was waiting on the corner of Quincy and Throop streets when a young armed robber came up to his open window and tried to snatch the gold chain.

There was a struggle, the gun went off and Gabourel was shot in the arm and wrist, with the bullet grazing his chest.

In the tussle, the thug got the chain, but not the image of Christ on a cross.

Gabourel has a clergy sign on his dashboard and serves as an elder at his church. On Monday night, he was rushed to /*Kings County Hospital*/, where no doubt he is giving thanks for his life having been spared.

The victim was able to give police a brief description of his attacker. Gabourel's daughter tells Eyewitness News that her father is expected to make a full recovery.

---

Get Eyewitness News Delivered

Facebook | Twitter | Newsletters | Text Alerts

Copyright © 2024 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.