SEATTLE — With his right arm in a cast, wearing a hospital gown, Luis Hernandez shuffles into a hospital room with his partner and husband Thomas Stubbs. He is recovering from a gunshot wound to his arm that happened Dec. 2 late at night while driving home along Seward Park Avenue.
Hernandez talks about how much he misses his work. He creates beautiful art installations that celebrate his Mexican heritage and culture. It is clear he is passionate about his work.
"My art is for everybody. My work is for everybody," Hernandez said.
His passion for creating art is on pause as he recovers in the hospital. He was hurt in what he and his partner call a random shooting.
"Someone just started shooting at us, when we were at a stop sign," Stubbs said, "They were from behind us. They shot the back window out."
Seattle Police sent a statement to KING 5 saying gunfire also hit a home. The shooting happened near the 8300 block of 54th Avenue South.
"I didn't have time to think. he put his arm up over my head and pushed me down," Stubbs said.
Stubbs believed Hernandez saved his life.
"This kind of thing can happen to anyone at any time and it's just horrible and it's not safe out there," Stubbs said.
He mentioned the shooting happened in the same neighborhood where he grew up.
Hernandez is eager to get better and continue creating his art installations and participate in festivals.
"That's terrible but I'm staying fine. I need to go out and I need to stay with my community. It's priority in my life," Hernandez said about his injuries.
With his partner by his side, Hernandez is determined to get back to creating beautiful art for his community.
"The people need more good times and more empathy with everybody," Hernandez said.
Seattle Police has stated, "The victim's vehicle was processed for evidence. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation."
A GoFundMe has been set up to help Hernandez with medical bills and treatment.