After a student was bullied with a gun to his head, motorcyclists offer escorted ride to school
A shocking video was shared on Facebook in which a 17-year-old and two minors, all three of whom are currently in custody, physically bully a 13-year-old and hold a gun to his head. And while the perpetrators of the crime are no longer there to harass and threaten the boy, Derrin, he was still terrified to go to his school, in Independence, Missouri, alone.
That’s why Chris Bergen, a high school automotive instructor, along with his wife Anna, helped organize a ride called “Ride For Derrin” after watching the horrifying footage.
“We just felt compelled to reach out and let him know he wasn’t alone. The idea for the ride was brought to us from friends in Texas, Chris and Shawna Milligan,” Anna tells Yahoo Lifestyle. “They asked us to help organize something from where we lived since we were closer and they would join us.”
The Facebook Event they created proved to be a success. “I would say roughly 100 bikers showed up and it was a beautiful day,” Anna says. The large turnout certainly showed Derrin that the community cares and supports him — and they won’t tolerate anyone hurting another person.
Chris will continue to help by escorting any student who asks to his or her classes — in his classic car.
“If they want to be driven to school is a classic car and that will make them feel better, then we will drive them to school in a classic car,” Chris Bergen told WDAF-TV. Chris owns a 1966 Ford Galaxy, and a 1969 Mustang Mach 1, while Anna has a 1979 Pontiac Trans AM, she says.
“They can walk into school a little prouder than they did when this happened,” Anna told WDAF-TV.
The ride was such a success that the bikers involved are discussing plans on Facebook to make it an annual ride, and may choose a few students to honor next time.
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:
Can’t afford a $90 million painting? Here’s how to score affordable David Hockney art
These are the 6 holiday gift-giving rules to break immediately
This 25-year-old guy donated a kidney to a stranger — and saved 3 lives in the process
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.