2000 Toyota Tundra Owner Helps To Catch a Murderer
Jason Lancaster | Mar 03, 2010 | Comments 10
Owning a truck means a lot of different things to people, but it sure seems like truck owners are more helpful than regular old car owners…think about it:
- When someone needs a tow, who do they call?
- When it’s time to move?
- When someone needs a jump or mechanical help?
It turns out that truck owners help fight crime too – here’s a story about a 2000 Tundra owner that helped catch a murderer.
It started at a McDonalds
Lawton Walker was sitting in his Tundra in the McDonalds parking lot when a robber confronted two McDonald’s employees in the car next to Walker. Incredibly, the robber pulled a gun, stole the deposit, and then for no apparent reason shot and killed one of the employees as they sat defenseless in their vehicle.
Walker, stunned by what had just occurred, took action. He started his Tundra up, and when the murderer jumped in his car, Walker rammed his truck into it. While the damage didn’t stop the murderer in his tracks, it definitely slowed him down. Walker then chased the murderer in his vehicle until he was pulled over by police. Due in part to Walker’s actions, the police were able to apprehend the murderer.
No Good Deed Goes Unpunished
No one would have faulted Walker for staying out of danger and simply calling 9-1-1. Frankly, Walker is very lucky to live in a place where local law enforcement supported his actions. Depending on your perspective, Walker’s actions could be considered reckless…but that’s the crux of it, isn’t it? Every time we pull over to help a stuck motorist, or jump out of our trucks to push a car in the snow, we compromise our safety. Being helpful isn’t always the safest course of action, and it goes without saying that Walker took a great risk.
Walker and the damage to his 2000 Tundra. Image ©Jacksonville.com
In Walker’s case, things seem to have worked out OK. While there is damage to his Tundra, the local AutoCrafters collision center and Keith Pierson Toyota have offered to fix his truck free of charge, as did the local Fraternal Order of Police. Walker is quoted as saying that “he’s no hero,” and that he’s grateful to have his family. Walker’s sentiments go out to the victim of this crime, Raynold Orelus.
Orelus was a Haitian immigrant and father of five, four of whom live in Haiti. Orelus’s family wouldn’t have been able to afford the trip to attend his funeral had it not been for some financial assistance from local business and others. If you’d like to help out the family:
An account has been established at VyStar Credit Union for donations to the family of slain Haitian immigrant Raynold Orelus. Donations can be made at any branch in the name of Orelus’ wife, Miraclide Orelus, to account number 702809176.
Read the full story on Jacksonville.com. Our best to the Orelus family.
Filed Under: TundraHeadquarters.com
I hope they lock up the deadbeat who robbed of all things a McDee’s for life since that is what he took away from the person he shot and killed. An eye for an eye I say. Good for that tundra owner to ram his rear of the truck into the deadbeats getaway vehicle. If I had a clunker car and saw something like this, I may consider as well ramming the car as well. I have never started a fight ever in my life, but have finished darn near all of them in my favor. I don’t believe in picking on people and live and let live in my motto, but if someone gets in my face, look out – I hold grudges for life.
MK,
No offense, but Life in prison is too good for him and definitely a waste of air and taxpayers money. They should have taken him out in the booneys and put a .45 acp in the back of his head. That’s an eye for an eye. Just remembers, victims don’t have rights so why should the murderer.
Thankfully our society still have people like the tundra owner who have that sense of duty and/or responsibility to do the right thing, whether calling the police or doing what he did. Just my opinion.
Yes I’ve been following this. Being from Jax I’m glad you posted this Jason. The kid I call him looked no more than 18 but he’s 24. Glad they got the punk and along with Mr. Walker’s testimony I’m sure life won’t be an answer. Death penalty will be what the DA is going for. Keith Pierson is an upright Toyota dealer. He gives a free Nav along with a Lifetime warranty on any vehicle sold at his delaership. You can’t beat that savings along with the great deals he has. Kudo’s for Mr. Walker.
Orelus was working at McD’s as a janitor trying to save money to bring his two boys to the US from Haiti. Finally they cleared them to come here to attend the funeral. It seems the city is trying to keep the kids here with the mom. Orelus tried to protect the manager and that is why the gunman killed him. It appears this kid probably had an inside connection to know when the manager did the drop. The bank is just about across the street from McD’s. So this kid either worked there or inside info. Life imprisonment won’t do. Maybe hang until dead will end B/S like this.
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mk – I think it’s an open-and-shut case. The robber/murderer isn’t too smart.
danny – I know you’re not alone…and I think Florida does the death penalty. If you’re going to execute someone, this crime seems like as good of a reason as any.
Mickey – This is just a sad case – I had no idea the victim was the janitor trying to help his kids come to America. I also had no idea the person that committed the crime was a kid himself. It’s a bad story I guess, but I think it somehow helps to tell it.
I think the kid worked there at McD’s. That’s how he knew when she took the drop out. His kids did get here for his funeral. Yes Florida does have the death penalty. Hopefully used and in short time.
Mr. Walker gets his truck back today. The FOP Faternal Oder of Police is giving him a dinner tonite in honoring him, and giving his truck back. Thanks to Kieth Pierson Toyota for the parts, Auto Crafters for fixing his truck and the FOP for honoring him. Mr. Walker is from southern Georgia.
Mickey – Thanks for the follow-up on this piece.
I just happen to hear it on the news and began typing.