SOUTHINGTON, CT — A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help the man identified as the victim of last week's shooting at Cadillac Ranch Restaurant in Southington, where a fight during the venue's weekly Bike Night event left two people hospitalized and led to eight arrests.
The fundraiser identifies the critically injured victim as Justin Woodbury and says he was "tragically caught in the crossfire as an innocent bystander" during the July 15 incident.
According to the GoFundMe page, Woodbury was struck by a stray bullet and suffered serious injuries that have left him on life support.
Organizers say he is expected to remain hospitalized for several months and faces multiple surgeries followed by an extended rehabilitation.
The fundraiser states that donations will help cover Woodbury's medical care, surgeries, rehabilitation and household expenses while he recovers.
It says his family is seeking community support as they face mounting medical bills and other financial obligations.
As of July 21, the campaign had raised more than $26,500 toward its $30,000 goal.
Southington police said the violence erupted around 7 p.m. July 15 during Cadillac Ranch's regular Bike Night event, when the restaurant and parking lot were crowded with motorcycle enthusiasts and members of several motorcycle clubs.
Investigators said a physical altercation began in the parking lot before a firearm was discharged, striking a 25-year-old man, identified as Woodbury, in the chest.
The victim remains in critical condition, according to police, who have not publicly identified him, though family identified him in the GoFundMe.
Police said the altercation continued until officers arrived.
During the incident, four people allegedly assaulted a 44-year-old man, who was hospitalized with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Officers recovered a firearm at the scene.
Authorities have since arrested eight people in connection with the shooting and assault.
Four of those individuals were charged with second-degree assault for their alleged roles in the attack on the 44-year-old man.
The investigation remains ongoing.
To donate to the GoFundMe campaign, click on this link.
From July 16: '8 Charged In Southington Biker Melee, Shooting: Police: UPDATE'
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