Again highlighting the need for safe parking and more understanding from receivers, a 72-year-old trucker and ex-marine was shot while he was in his sleeper during an apparent attempted robbery.
The trucker, Jerry Matson, is a 43-year trucking veteran who was delivering a generator that would help power the equipment for the tv broadcast of an upcoming game at the Oakland O.co Coliseum. In the past he’d been allowed to park inside their secure gate, but this time he was told to go to a nearby secluded area. He parked where he was told and went to sleep.
He awoke to someone rocking the cab (to see if an alarm would go off) before breaking in the side window with a .45 pistol. According to an interview with Contra Costa Times, his training in the Marines came back to him.
“If you don’t have a weapon, you better do anything you can to distract them, so I did — I lunged,” he said.
The attacker fell backward and fired one shot that struck Matson in the gut and traveled down his thigh. According to Matson, the pain was so bad that he thought he was going to die, but he was able to dial 911.
Matson was brought to a hospital where he underwent one emergency surgery, and then two more to fix complications that arose including two serious infections.
Matson’s wife, a former ER nurse, flew out to California from their home 100 miles from Indianapolis to be with him.
Now that Matson has improved physically, his family is suffering financially. His daughter Christy has set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for her father’s medical bills.
Source: fleetowner, contracostatimes, cbs, newssentinel
Image Source: gofundme
Im very sorry to hear this, hard worker who dedicated his life to protect our country and provides goods to America still by transporting our needs and a thug does this. We don’t have enough protection and enough rights for truckers. I’m a trucker and I believe there needs to be a movement.
I think truckers should have the right to carry a hand gun in their cabs. My husband is also a trucker and there is always strangers who knock on his door. It’s a safety issue.
It is legal almost everywhere don’t let the companys lie to you, even the for lies but check the real laws. Its legal.
One of the reasons they can’t carry is what you just said. Some trigger happy gun nuts will come out shooting just because someone knocked on their door. Hardly a threat.
It is not against the law to carry a gun in a truck. I never leave home without mine.
I have a Colorado concealed carry and I carry a handgun in my rig always.. Our concealed carry allows Coloradoans the right to carry in other states as well as our own…. The FMCSA doesn’t mandate carrying of weapons in your rig, the states do. Get a concealed carry and check to see what states you can carry in. In addition to my handgun, I always carry my rosewood baton (former cop). I refuse to be a victim!
There is no law saying truck drivers can’t carry guns in their trucks. It’s the companies that don’t allow it.
he can carry but its up to the company he is hired with…. no law in commercial trucking that says he cant…
Truckers do have a right to keep a weapon in their truck. There is no law against it. Unfortunately, many trucking companies have policies forbidding it, and there can be problems with reciprocity, (different states laws vs. the permit holder’s state’s laws). Most states offer reciprocity, but there are notable exceptions, and I would bet California is one of them.
Would you mind showing me the NJ statute that backs either of your claims?
1. N.J.S.A xxxxxxxx Truck driver are allowed to carry loaded guns in their truck.
2. N.J.S.A xxxxxxxx NJ offers reciprocity to out of state truckers with carry permits from their home states.
All of my state trooper friends have told me if they see a gun on a motor vehicle stop with a truck driver, the driver will be arrested and charged with possession. So, if you are a trucker reading this and not a lawyer as with the poster, you should go and see your lawyer with regards to this topic, otherwise, this bad advice will get you jailed in NJ at least!
Yeah they don’t need one cause all your trooper friends do such a fine job stopping crimes, ,,not…hell of job cleaning up the mess after your dead ….
Yup, Kalifornia does not allow handguns in trucks and getting a permit is about impossible so…we carry illegally…you have to hide it well but it could save your life if you frequent snake pits like Oakland, Richmond, Stockton, etc.
I agree the trucking industry, truckers & OOIDA should all push very hard for our loved ones to protect themselves while on the highways of America, specially since we have many issues with Isis etc…
If he gets a ccw for the states he travels through there is no law that says he can’t carry on his truck, although his company may have rules against it.
What a tragedy. Actually multiple tragedies. The first is the shooting. The second is pathetic nature of the system in this country that would allow not only a truck driver on duty, but a protector of this country to suffer one second financially because of the incident. The company he works for should pay as well as the place he was delivering, the government should help and of course the shooter. We know that is not likely. Mr Matson should not have to worry about money at all. He has done his part many times over
It seems workers compensation would pay all medical and weekly compensation and then a lump sum of compensation.
The trucking company pay? That’s a good one. I doubt they were even paying for his detention time. A man shouldn’t even have to work at the age of seventy-two, after giving forty-three years. He should’ve been retired, on a pension.
Where do you get the authority, or is it just audacity, to decide when someone else should be retired? Maybe this driver enjoys the job so much he doesn’t want to retire (“park for the last time”). There are still some drivers to whom driving is a lot more than just a job. (I’m not one of them.)
I thought the federal motor carrier laws state that at the age of 72 you can no longer drive a commercial vehicle.
Like
STUDONT;
Are you a truck driver? If so how long.
I was 73 when I hung it up.
I enjoyed the job.
WHITHER HE SHOULD BE ON A PENSION OR NOT ANY ONES BUSINESS.
Some of us are not. When you have some widom of years, come back with your opinions. Do you know trucking?? I don’t think so.
Maybe he cant afford to leave of pension. You ever ask your self would you be able to do the same.
@sudon’t
This driver was not in the marines for 43 years, read the article.
“43-year trucking veteran” “ex- marine”
Good luck with that ask a teamster how his pension has been cut. I remember a politician say when asked about the elderly ‘let them die’ an that unfortunately is the world we live in
He should sue, they told him where to park and he was injured as a result of parking there
Indeed there does if it’s not over regulations its a matter such as this !
Defense weapons should be mandatory to include fire arms being also a constitutionally protected right !
Isn’t that what the president swore to uphold?
Every truck should be protected by the driver not to mention protecting his life !
I’m for a movement that takes back or country right now !
Glad to hear Mr Matsin is alive. This situation could have been so much worse. He and his family are in our prayers for a speedy recovery and a financial blessing.
Thank you for your kind words and God Bless You! My Dad is a wonderful , loving and kind person and this never should have happened. *Christy
Your dad must be a real tough guy! I only lasted 18 months on the road before coming to my senses but I always had a big gun with me!
Christy I hope they catch this guy. I’m glad your father is doing better. As a female truck driver it is scary at times trying to find a safe spot to park for the night. Give your dad my best and thank him for serving our nation. I am Canadian and know the sacrifices he has done for both our countries. God bless.
here wishin you the best , thx’s for your service, am a female driver that who have been deal[ng with a stalker that has been coming in my truck and been breaking my thing’s, i hope the police will catch the SOB that attack you . i hope in your contact with him that their was some DNA left so the low life will get caught,
This is so sad. I pray that he’ll recover quickly. “What is his company going to do for him? They should pick up the medical bill since he was on the job. Why is his family even dealing with this?”
Ridiculous!
He was off duty at the time
Too bad Matsin couldn’t have his own .45 .
I’ve had my own .45 under my pillow while sleeping in South Central LA and I could have gone to jail for it…But it’s worth the risk when those Goobers cruise by and check you out at 2:00 AM…
Unfortunate incident, that is one of many reasons OTR drivers must carry protection. It is a Jungle out there. “Perps” know that you carry “goods” and valuables that they can “cash” in. Best wishes, prompt “recup” and carry a “piece” for self defense.
Thank you for the warm wishes! I agree, ALL driver’s should be armed. Fact is, if Dad was armed he could have shot back. As it stands, he wasn’t and the thug will probably get away with it. *Christy*
Christy i am deeply sorry for what happened to your father. An please give him my deepest thanks for serving our country . I all so go to oakland ports just about 8 miles from were this happened. An i to wish there was more parking an safty for truckers in California. I pray that this S.O.B gets what is coming to him. You all are in my prayers an carma will come around. Your dad sounds like a great man an tou all with get through this. God bless
We will keep your Dad in our prayers. My Fiance and I are OTR Truck Drivers. We never leave home without our gun. There’s too many animals with no respect for human life out there these days.
The beginning of the article should read “again highlighting the need for TRUCKERS TO CARRY THEIR LEGALLY OWNED FIREARMS on the truck, and for Trucking Industry Carriers to begin allowing it…”
I’m glad this driver and MARINE Veteran is going to be okay.
Truck drivers,will start going down the road playing “Cowboy and four wheeler” or shoot at each other.
We got broke into in Charlotte,NC while parked at the curb by side of the distribution center. We were asleep and they pulled up behind the trailer and got up in the trailer. We were parked where security at the distribution center told us to waiting to get in to be offloaded. I know they were pissed when all we had was a load of papertowels. Th er e needs to be more secured area, these thiefs don’t care.
Lol
I am so glad that you weren’t harmed, God Bless! *Christy*
You had a heavy duty lock on it??
Prayers to him and a full recovery.
Thank you Sir, God Bless! *Christy*
Most companies hv become unnecessarily wicked & inconsiderate not allowing driver’s to park in there yard knowing that you hv their products in that truck. OTR driver’s should hv a strong union that could boycott these companies & also enforce better pay & treatment from carries.there should be a strong revolution in the trucking industry.even receivers who can not afford their monthly bills will treat you like nobody.
Keep your “union” talk to yourself. I refuse to rent my job from a corrupt third party. Ever ask how many of these places no longer allow drivers to park on site because of the “presents” left by drivers in the past? Drivers should have taken their “bottles of yellow liquid” and other trash out with them.
“Now that Matson has improved physically, his family is suffering financially. His daughter Christy has set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for her father’s medical bills”
Accidents happen, unfortunately so do robberies, but the biggest crime here is his company not stepping up and paying for his medical bills. No company sponsored healthcare??????
Probably an o/o?
My father, The one this article is about, is a owner operator with the same company as myself. OO’s don’t have company paid insurance. The Company we are leased to has stepped up in many ways but are not responsible for us when it comes to getting hurt. It’s not shame on them it’s shame on the the low life that shot my father.
At 72 he doesn’t at least have Medicare either?
He does have Medicare as a secondary insurance. As with all insurance, nothing is paid in full, the insured still has to pay their percentage and they only pay “up to” a certain amount. In the meantime, he has already been in the hospital over a month now and has had 3 surgeries with more to come, then comes the rehabilitation and who knows how long that will take. *Christy*
Shouldn’t workmans comp help?
Medicare pays only 80% you pay 20 %.
HE IS A VET, TRANSFER HIM TO A VETERANS HOSPITAL.This is one of his benefits. Contact veterans affairs
Yeah there is something wrong with this part of the story
I’m prior military and wonder about the VA and medical bills??
Medical coverage doesn’t pay the household bills
Exactly…truck payments, vehicle payments, auto insurance, etc.
Chances are he is covered only by the VA for medical coverage.. the best way to handle this kind of situation is when not allowed to park on property is to leave for the nearest truck stop. Piss on the scheduled time for unloading. safety first. When in Chicago years ago I got permission to park at the state police barracks over night. You don’t know if you don’t ask. This is a very good example why a qualified driver should have a weapon in the cab.
There are no Truckstops within 60 miles of the Oakland Coliseum. Nearest Truckstop is in Tracy, CA and it’s small so no guarantee on parking.
The nearest so called truck stop (Oakland) is a Old run down modified gas station (ghetto). Even the paramedics won’t enter the area around it without a armed escort from the police. We tell our Owner Operators to get out of the Bay Area before the sun goes down.
Glad to hear he’s recovering. I quit sleeping in the Bay Area back in the 80’s when two bullets where shot through my truck cab. Never, Ever layover in the Bay Area.
Correct; there is no place to legally or safely park a truck in the San Francisco Bay area and Kalifornia authorities including our Highway Patrol (shame on them) continue to ignore this situation. Cal-Trans continues to post “No Parking Any Time” signs on off/on ramps that are perfect for truck parking.
Amen Sir and thank you! *Christy*
I think the crime is the healthcare system itself. It shouldn’t cost so much that staying alive destroys your life with debt anyway. The cost of healthcare is arbitrary.
We could fill the web with comments on the issue of the federal government’s interference in health care and the soaring increases in costs due to that interference.
Workers comp should cover this.
He is a lifetime OODIA member and carries his own insurance, he does have Medicare. *Christy*
Thank you Thomas! People do not fully understand everything that is involved with crimes like these. Insurance only covers you up to a LIMIT. He has his own insurance, Medicare and his VA Benefits…NONE of these benefits cover the cost of Mom’s hotel, rental car or food while out there with him. It does not cover her air fare. It will not cover their air fare when they finally get to come home. Dad has already been in the Hospital for a month and has had 3 surgeries. He still has an open wound where infection set up in his thigh a hair away from his Femoral artery. As of last night he was transferred to a hospital in San Francisco that has an amazing burn and rehabilitation center where he will now receive skin grafts when they finally close this wound and begin his rehabilitation. We are looking at several more weeks before he can come home. In the meantime, they still have a home, bills, etc that have to be taken care of. Thank you again for thinking of my Dad, God Bless! *Christy*
If he is an o/o he probably can’t afford it. Many of us cant
Can’t afford it? Then you’re doing it all wrong. I’m in my second year as o/o and making the best money of my life. If you can’t make it as an o/o, then like I said, you’re doing it wrong. Cut expenses, run smart and efficient, whatever.
Having a dog would have helped deter, but a gun and/or pepper spray will do the trick!
Pepper spray in a truck cab, not the brightest idea. Now both of you are blind and burning. 12ga bullpup with birdshot will do the trick, rip a face clean off at close range.
Bullpup would be good for close quarters….
Can’t legally carry firearms in a truck.
Yes you can. Most companies don’t allow it though. A state trooper friend of mine told me to carry a sawed off(cut at legal length) .410 with a pistol grip. Have it out in the open. Legal. Where guys get in trouble is when they carry a pistol. If you argue that I’m wrong, see 2nd Amendment.
Don’t carry it in Kalifornia unless you hide it good (like us Kalifornia drivers). Pistol grip rifles/shotguns not legal here. Free trip to jail.
Completely irrelevant to the story, and I’m glad Jerry is doing better and hope the lowlife gets what he deserves, but I think Jerry will agree he isn’t an “ex-marine”. Either you’re a marine, or you aren’t.
Semper Fi.
Where did you get such an idea. Get a concealed carry permit. Just worry about non pericardial states.
Sure you can
Correct in Kalifornia…you will get a free ride to jail. You can’t get a permit.
Raid ! Wasp & hornet spray, sprays up to 12 feet away… What does the law say about someone breaking into an occupied vehicle? In this situation, is it the same as breaking into a home? Any attorneys willing to chime in out here? Hope your dad makes a full recovery, our prayers are with you.
Is it time to start thinking about humanely putting dysfunctional and problematic people to sleep and salvaging their organs for the benefit of people in need?
Asleep@theWheel…. No lawyers are gonna chime in on this matter. No big money payouts for ’em. Majority of the lawyers that are involved with Trucking are the ones that have billboard signs up & down the hwys, enticing 4-wheelers to “Stand up to Big Trucks” or asking if they’ve been involved in a truck accident to call for a free consultation. Truckers have MANY targets on their backs. Just like Mr. Matson, someone wanted to prey on him because they saw an easy payday. Wasp spray is an EXCELLENT idea, nonetheless. Praying for a speedy recovery for you, Mr. Matson. Semper Fi brother! Hooraahh!!
Yeah, but a lot of companies won’t allow pets. we need to be able carry protection.
Pepper spray is illegal in some states for trucks. Truckers are not legally allowed to carry weapons of any kind. Some do it anyway.
My dog was asleep right along with me when i left a window cracked in Atlanta some years back. POS came in, pulled my CB with my own screwdriver. Like to think the dog woulda done something if he came behind the curtain….
I wish jerry a speedy recovery. It’s really unfortunate. Sometimes,hours of service, road & weather makes it difficult to get to a safe parking.but no one cares, all we hv is people who spend all their time in the office thinking how to make things difficult for OTR driver’s.
This is what drivers face today. The shippers and receivers do not care about our safety only about how much money they can make. The driver is left to deal with the rest.
My condolences to Mr. Matson, and prayers for a speedy recovery. I would also recommend that he acquire a lawyer to see if there are retribution costs he can pursue. If he was on private property and was injured, he can seek liability against the property owner. Also, if he had checked in with the receiver and their security officer told him to park elsewhere, he technically has already arrived at said receiver. Thus, his welfare is their responsibility, and truthfully this stinks of an inside job.
If the perpetrator was after the truck for the load, they had to have seen the generator. Generator equals copper in a metal casement to a scrapper. If the perpetrator was after the driver then that’s all the more reason we should all be able to conceal carry.
Has anyone pondered the idea that some of these “security” personnel might be in on some of these robberies? I see two stories here where security told the drivers where to park, and two robbery situations.
I will flat out refuse a receiver if they tell me I cannot park in a secured area, especially if that customer is in a known shady area. Even truck stops have become pathetic as far as thugs and bums being allowed to just loiter. Management can’t do anything about it, because they don’t want to create an HR or discrimination situation.
I carry no matter what a company’s policy is. Some people think it’s ridiculous, but with the rise in crimes against drivers I refuse to be a victim.
Too bad this situation didn’t happen in California where their strict gun control & confiscation laws would’ve prevented it.
Snicker-snicker!
Is it me or is the San Francisco fog rolling in thicker than sarcasm?
Too bad this situation didn’t happen in New York where they have the strictest gun control in the country.
HE WAS IN CALIFORNIA!!! Those gun laws ARE A JOKE!!
@Pat,
It was a joke, he knows this took place in CA
State with the strictest gun laws, too. *Christy*
No law in ANY state blocks legal purchase of a gun to any law-abidding citizen. Spare us your fake persecution.
It is illegal to carry a gun in a truck unless u have a federal permit because u haul money or weapons.
Dead wrong. Read the green book or ask a dot officer.
WELL SAID…..
Right except they can’t seem to confiscate guns from thugs in Oaktown…
We all need to carry an equalizer! Some of us are probably already doing so and anyone who isn’t is in grave danger considering the places we park to get our rest and be compliant. For me the old saying makes a lot of sense…. I’d rather be judged by twelve than carried by six!
Right, just hide it well…
Thomas, I believe Jerry might have been operating under his own authorities.
I’m glad he’s ok, but where are his benefits from his military time?
Receivers and other’s will have to be required by law to provide safe parking, if not they don’t give a rats asset. But on the other hand the state’s, counties, towns and cities are not or will not provide any more parking either. So you can’t require it of others if you’re not willing youself.
Unless he’s a disabled veteran or did a full 20 years in, you don’t get medical benefits from the military.
That’s not correct. It depends on when you served and what G.I. Bill you served under.
That’s not true
Yes you do get benefits from the VA.I get it and I was in the service from 8/76 to 20/77 .honorable discharge / non medical.
10/77
10/77 not 20/77
Brian white,,Where did you get such an idea. Get a concealed carry permit. Just worry about non pericardial states.”Laws do not prevent crimes” . Shooting people is a crime. R ember the shooting in Ca. where a man and his daughter were walking and the daughter was shot stone cold dead by a immigrant.
Do you really expect people to believe that garbage.
Ca. hes a crime rate by use of guns.Ask your local police department
Boy you are out of your rabbit asses mind. Ca. liberals and the politicians believe you but the facts prove them WRONG>>>
Ex-Marine? Please be more respectful. Calling someone an Ex-Marine is an insult. Once a Marine, always a Marine!!! He’s just not an active duty Marine.
A lot of driver’s are carrying these days. Check your state’s laws on carrying a concealed weapon. As of right now there is no law in fmcsa handbook that says you can’t. Have a friend that carries one in his truck because he goes in nothing but these states–Texas, Arkansas, and Missiouri.
Just an FYI… There’s no such thing as an ex-Marine. “Former” Marine, yes… Ex, no.
Saw someone posted this in truckers group on http://www.patriots1776.com what a sad story.
Drivers nwed to keep their heads on a swivel and if you can, stay armed.
One word…..CARRY!
Listen to Frankie, i would rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6
What I wonder if this was a setup seeing how that all of a sudden someone told him to go to this secluded spot…
exactly, perhaps someone on the inside tipped them off to where he would be….smh. might as well be in Mexico
Looks that way. *Christy*
U migth be on to something. I think the companies that refuse to let you park in their lot when no truck stop nearby should be responsible
I had NOT read your post. Until AFTER I posted mine….I know O.co and Oakland very well. I believe you are correct. Too coincidental. The would-be-robber or robbers know better than to attack next to O.co Alameda County SO, Oakland PD, and CHP all have MOU pertaining to security and jurisdiction. A robber would have to have known HE was there. The window to attack was very small and limited. NOT a moment of opportunity. Be careful, stay safe, drive safe, work Safe, and Live Safe.
Truckers should allowed to be armed…some carry valueable loads, they need to be able to protect themselves…providing the insurance companies won’t stand in the way…
lawsuit lawsuit against both security guard and shipper/receiver for damages.
Second question is if he were retired as the ad claims, he should have plenty government medical covers and Medicare as well. Ad shows fishy. A military person would have waited for the robber to get in the truck and took care of the robber.
Emperor Godfather
For most truckers their truck is their second home.we’re allowed to protect our homes with guns.why should it be any different for them? They should be able to have a gun beside them while they sleep and not have to keep one eye open all nite for fear of being robbed or even worse.our truckers are the heartbeat of america without them what would we do? Having this happen to one more trucker is not acceptable.telling them they can’t carry a gun for protection is unacceptable.we need to show our truckers how much we appreciate and respect the job they do.but more important it’s time to recognize how dangerous their job is.and come together not to ask for the law to be changed but DEMAND it be changed…the financial devastation is bad….just try to imagine the pshycial pain Mr Matson has had to endure let alone the emotional impact this has had on him.this man knows no stranger has bought many meals for hungry strangers i’m sure gave away a few coats over 43 years of his life on the road.i know this to be true he’s my brother in law a good man that this never should have happened to….
I need to know, can I carry my personal handgun with me on the road. I hate pulling into a truck stop after 6 pm cause I have to battle for a soace. Sometimes, I park in rest areas in nowhere land because our government forces us to be vulnerable to crime. I hate asking tge receiver to park on his property cause he wants his gates closed with peace of mind, can’t blame him. I need protection can I legallt carry?
Bill,
This is the wrong place to ask!
Too many people think they know and don’t.
Spend a few bucks and ask a lawyer. It will not cost you very much, especially if you get the wrong advice from a “Highway Lawyer”. AKA trucker
Buy the book, THE TRAVELERS GUIDE TO FIREARM LAWS OF FIFTY STATES. The are only a few states where carry is illegal, Ca., N.Y., N.J. is the worst violated of the 2nd Amendment rights. Get your concealed carry permit for your home state, the travelers guide will inform you as to what other states honor your permit. Regardless, I always carry. I advise that you be discreet, do not have a NRA STICKER ON YOUR TRUCK, NO SMITH AND WESSON BALLCAP, NO GLOCK T SHIRT. Do not advertise that you even know what a gun looks like. Where it is legal of me to carry, I have a Smith and Wesson 9mm holstered under my shirt or jacket, and a North American Arms .22Mag pocket revolver in may pocket. Where carry is not legal, I carry just the .22Mag, no way it would be detected by casual observation. The 9mm stays in a secure lockbox where carry is an issue. There is no federal restriction, regulation or prohibition regarding the possession of a firearm in a commercial vehicle. We are subject to state and local laws. THE TRUCKING COMPANIES HAVE BEEN LYING TO DRIVERS CLAIMING THIS IS ILLEGAL. Anyone that can read can wade through the rules stated in the travelers guide to firearm laws.
This happened in California. The sunshine state where criminals turn in their guns, to obey the law. (Right.) Furthermore, this happened in Oakland, California. Oakland. Give me a break. We all know the jungle tribe in Oakland. Marine or not, the driver should never have agreed to park outside the secured area. He should have driven to a lighted, public parking lot, next to an all-night gas station. He should have used his head, in other words. What do you think this is? America, or a war zone?
72? No medical coverage? 43 yr. Vet? Driver? Something dont seem right here in this story.
To JD: My Dad is 72 years old, he has been driving for 43 years, tried retirement, but could not adjust to it and went back on the road. My Mom is 70, is a retired RN . YES, my Dad served this country. My Grandparents had to sign papers for him to be admitted into the Marines because he was only 17. My Dad has insurance as well as Medicare. We live in Indiana and this happened in California and my Mom flew out there as soon as we were notified of what happened. Not only has my Dad had to fight for his life, but he has had to worry about all of the auto pay bills coming out of his account, since his Insurance has yet to compensate him for this claim . Even then it will not come close to what he made driving. So, for anyone else that doubts the validity of my Dad’s story and/or situation, please feel free to contact me. Sincerely, Christy Matson
I just gave him some money on his go fund me page. This is a sad story. I hope he recovers 100%. Another reason truck drivers should be allowed to carry a gun, to protect ourselves.
Thank you David and I agree. Driver’s are sitting ducks. God Bless! *Christy*
I’m sorry that this happened to this man who was trying to do what was told to him and in return he gets shot SMH my wishes to a good recovery bless him and his family
Praying for a quick recovery. I can’t count the times my husband was told no parking on delivery property. Shippers don’t care about trucker safety. Something needs to be done. He was on the job. His company should help pay those bills. Then again, the companies don’t seem to care much about drivers safety either, as long as the load is delivered on time. I worry for my husband even when he does his best to stay safe. Dog on truck is great in many ways, but who has 3000.00 for a pet deposit. Best wishes.
No one said the financial problems were medically based. Although even covered by insurance there are Co-pays and deductibles. Along with non covered items. What about lack of income? Even if he had short and long term disability, at best it’s only 80%. My company only pays only 50%.
As a resident of Oakland and a 3rd generation Bay Area Native, I apologize on behalf of the good people of Oakland. The area around the Coliseum is very high crime with lots of crack heads and bodies found daily. I pay $175.00 a month for Truck Parking because there are no true Truckstops in the Bay Area. There’s one 68 miles south in Gilroy, CA, but the others in the area are too small to park at. Personally I would never park or leave my rig on San Leandro Blvd, the street under the BART tracks where he was no doubt told to park. Very very very dangerous area, even for Natives. I’ve been wishing for a real Truckstop in the Bay for a long time, but until then I advise outsiders to park in Santa Nella, Tracy, Fairfield, Vacaville, Gilroy, or Petaluma for Bay Area Deliveries, or call your Consignee and ask if you can park on their property. Landstar O/O “Flight Risk”
His daughter wrote a misleading title, than she goes on and explains she need to ease financial burden on transportation etc.
She is not really asking to cover medical tolls
Schedule doesn’t hold a candle to my personal safety. The nature of truck driving as an occupation is already dangerous enough as it is to go around putting one’s self in even more danger.
Without “blaming the victim,” which I have no intention of doing here, I simply don’t park in areas that appear to be the least bit unsafe, let alone spend any time in the sleeper in one (day or night). There’s usually a relatively safe place to park within 15-20 miles of most anywhere, but I’ve driven even further sometimes.
On a different subject, drowsy ex-Marine or not, the lunge is debatable. Regardless of the outcome it may not have been advisable in the situation he found himself in. Still not blaming him though…I understand why he did what he did. Frankly I might have done something similar myself. While it is true that dogs don’t wield guns, I learned a long time ago that the best way to deal with menacing ones while riding a bicycle is to turn in their direction, ride straight at them very fast, and dismount just a few feet away (being ready to use the bicycle as a shield if necessary). Sometimes responding in kind is the best response to aggression; sometimes it isn’t.
True, but NOBODY knows what they would do in a situation where you are startled awake by someone breaking out your window then shooting you. Greed, once a Marine, always a Marine. *Christy*
CORRECTION: Agreed
Point well taken Kamkor…Marine veteran, not ex-Marine.
Glad he’s Alive! He needs to file a lawsuit against that company he was delivering to also! If they haven’t done so already! I hope they find the SOB who shot him also!
A handy little semiautomatic pellet gun would have been better than nothing. 10 quick rounds to the face, to distract-better than a lunge? No gun laws to worry about. Someone tells me to wait somewhere in a secluded location , I’m going to my own location. Call me when your ready. Could have been a setup.
I fail to see the need for help with medical bills.. He should be covered by work mans comp or insurance on the truck.. He was on the job and he was in the truck when he was injured..
I did not mention that I am a Marine Vietnam Vet..
He is an owner/operator. Workers comp does NOT cover this.
HE PROBABLY NEEDED EMERGENCY TREATMENT. The VA hospital would and still take him on a transfer. There are VA hospitals in Fort Wayne and I believe in Indianapolis.
Drivers need to refuse to go to those places. I know it isn’t easy to do and it creates a lot of grief in the dispatch office, but it’s YOUR life on the line, while they are safe at home.
Not to be picky, but there is no such thing as an ex Marine. Once a Marine always a Marine. Correct term would be Marine veteran.
As such, we should be allowed to carry in our own “homes”. This is getting ridiculous…
Kamor,
I am a vet not disabled,did not serve 20 years. I put in3 years,1 month and one day.
I am receiving full medical benefits.
I am one year older than the man that was shot.So so we are about the same age. He went in at 17, with his parents permission.
HE HAS VETERANS BENEFITS IF HE SERVED FROM JUNE 1961 THRU THE END OF THE VIETNAM WAR.
God bless you with a speedy recovery, Jerry Matson. And if anything good comes of this let that good thing be one more trucker buying a gun and keeping it in the cab. Our society has been gorged with lower life forms screaming politically correct critiques of us for a quarter century. We’ve slowly become brainwashed to “be nice” no matter what. Well, the squealers used this trick to disarm us so they can more easily rob, rape and steal their way through a world we’ve spent hundreds of years domesticating. It’s time to thin the herd, drivers. The choice is thousands in legal costs, or cents in lead. Do the math.
Amen Mr. Burleson!
No parking, don’t deliver!!!
Semper Fi, Marine
USAF veteran
I am a Season Ticket Holder and Truck Driver myself. I SM OUTRAGED! Beyond Words!!!! I would instruct this family to Lawyer up. There is NO SAFE AND LEGAL PARKING OUTSIDE OF THE COLISIEUM. This makes the security liable for the incident. Furthermore, who is to say that the pansy security guard was not in on it? Smells like a set up if you ask me. Security’s Security and O.co better pay up! Medical care for life! DO NOT AGREE TO A DAMN THING, unless medical expenses and care are included…. FOR LIFE. Take care God Bless. Hoo-ra! Semper Fi!!!! ALWAYS FAITHFUL. ALWAYS
I AM OUTRAGED. To correct error.
Securitas Security Company and O.co Coliseum. To correct second error.
This is simply a parking issue and California is the worst state in the country to park a semi-truck. Truckers wont stand together and nothing will change. More and more cities and businesses are not making a safe place for truckers who are necessary to the economy to park. No one cares and after 20 years on the road, I’ve only seen it get worse. I’m sure after twice as many years on the road as I have, Mr. Matson knew the risk he was taking and did it anyway. No one in this forum is going to be able to give him any information that he didn’t already hear at some point in his 70 plus years on the planet and 43 years behind the wheel. I hope he fully recovers and you might look into http://www.jhlrivenburg.com and see the progress they are making towards more safer truck parking. Not that it matters but I too am a former Marine as well and it’s shameful that these businesses who need trucks don’t care one bit about who is driving that truck to deliver to them. Here is a veteran, family man, and law abiding citizen that is just trying to get someone’s equipment to them and they leave him parked in a place that they themselves would like never park, let alone sleep. It’s disgusting! Prayers and some donations are with your father Ms. Matson. Please keep everyone updated on this situation. Thank you and your father.
Thank you Mr. Godfrey, you are very kind. This entire situation has been a complete nightmare. We are very fortunate that Dad even made it through the first surgery. The Surgeon told my Mom that he was a “luck S.O.B”, lol! We have been instructed by both Hospitals that this is going to be a long road for him to travel. He is going to be doing a lot better at the new Hospital and will be undergoing “Hyperbaric Oxygen” treatment which will help to heal his wound quicker. The bullet went through his stomach and lodged in his thigh after passing through the intestines, which in itself is a not a good thing. We are looking forward to getting him healed enough to get him home. I will keep posting updates on his Campaign page. Thanks again! *Christy*
It’s a crying shame we go out and spend the valuable time away from our loved ones just to hear of this happening. The key thing I have done for years is never get too close to a shipper or receiver before it’s due. Usually try to shut down when I get close well outside of any cities. Spend a nice quiet night in the country, then get up early. As I always say. Get in…. Get out
I am so sorry to hear about your dad he was a customer at the Mr. Fuel in Indianapolis where I work. I pray that he has a full recovery and I will keep him and your family in my prayers. God Bless You All
Thank you James! I will let him know that, God Bless You as well!
Crime is a part of every civilized society, however in our case “modern” society is an entangled mess of arcane laws, legal liabilities a gutted economy & imaginary social injustices all presided over by empty suit elected officials, lawyers & corporate policies. Everywhere we turn wrong is right & right is wrong and good people like this driver and others are the real victims & I personally refuse to be a victim.
Truckers should be able to be armed for protection at least in their truck, which is literally they’re home while on the road.
What does being an ex Marine have to do with it? Supposedly he served to protect our rights. Seems that he failed as having a weapon wasn’t his right.
I have been driving 23 yrs and a Viet Nam vet. When I park , i put two hats on the dash board, and two coats on the back of the seats. I hope this may get the would be robber, to think that there are two grown men inside sleeping. It doesn’t do much against a .45 but the thought and illusion is present. I always park under a street lamp. or I would have gone 68 miles to a truck stop when in Oakland. Sorry for your father’s situation, and I hope everything will work out for your entire family.
As a veteran myself I am glad a brother survived this ordeal, thank you for your service Mr. Matson. My prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family during this difficult time. I will gladly donate what I can.
As for protecting ourselves, it is absurd that veterans trained and experienced in the use of firearms are not allowed to carry so that we can keep ourselves and other innocents safe and alive.
As many noted before me, there is no such thing as an ex Marine, Soldier, Airman or Sailor. You honored the code Mr. Matson, I am sure your family is proud of you, I sure am. May you recover fully and stay with us for a very long time. Semper Fi Marine??
The VA is not always easy to reach. Since it was an emergency, the got him to the nearest hospital, what was not a good choice! How could they have misded the shooting wound on the tight? Someone messed it up at the emergency room there!
Just to add something new to the conversation…how sad that at age 72 you still have to drive instead of smelling the roses in what is most likely your last decade on this earth. I would at least hope that the house , truck and kids are all paid for and you were just upping your social security. Try and find a silver lining….I will bet a fishing pole in your hand will bring more happiness than a cb microphone. Good luck sir.
Wouldn’t let him into the secure area? Company won’t pay his bills? Sounds like a trucking job to me. What a bunch of jerks.
It is so idiotic that companies that have room for you to park and won’t let you. I use to deliver to the us postal hub in Dallas that has acres of parking and won’t let you park in there overnight but make you park out on the street. We as US citizens own the post office, so we should be able to park safely in there. Just start carrying a S&w 500 handgun, these guys will stop robbing drivers. I glad this man lived,but too his company and the receiving company should be paying him well.
Ask a truck driver, I can’t understand for the life of me why I have to park elsewhere when I’m bringing your product to you. There should never be a time that a driver is not allowed on the premises when he is delivering. I thank God Mr Matson made it through. Contra, they are famous for this however. We make the world go round and yet are the least respected.
Very sorry for the driver. If he usually parked on the customer property and they suddenly changed their policies then it is the receivers responsibility to inform the shipper that drivers will no longer be allowed to park on their property so the driver can plan accordingly.
The place he was delivering to should pay.They refused to let him park in the secured area
Subservient drivers out there who always do what your told remember the old cliche “rather be judged by 12 than carried by six”! Hey, I only OTR’d for 18 months before coming to my senses! Nobody gives a crap about you (especially company drivers )you are irrelevant until you bump dock late which I never did. Yes you got to protect yourself. Sometimes your a hundred miles from the nearest Barney Fife. The rest stops are often closed or filled. The terminals often won’t let you even wait on property let alone take your 10. Your own company says no guns too. No surprise there! The two I worked for were horrible, not even offering decent health insurance but that’s another story. I always carried either a 45 or a 10 mm and being retired law enforcement I’m very handy with them! Sometimes I had to go into military bases to make deliveries and being subject to search you might get a cursory cab search. Keep your weapin out if site of course preferably where you put your dirty laundry and you’ll be just fine. When you get out of the base put your weapon in a safe place close by… it’s all common sense! The real problem is corrupt trucking companies and the dirty politicians who do their bidding. This is going to be a more complicated problem to solve. Are you listening Trump?
Drivers,enough already yes we all have bills to pay and families to support pull the tractors over and let the shelves go empty I’m betting we can get this situation to change within a week
How is his status as a former Marine relavent to this article? Why was it included?
His medical,from the government, for service to his country.
He has the right to medical coverage thru the VA.
A small tip…carry your firearm regardless.. the company is only looking out for themselves…not you. The supreme court says you have the right to keep and bear firearms..so doe the constitution.. if you can’t bear the thought..then keep the fire extinguisher handy and unload that on them.
also…I find it suspect that the receiver/security sent him to a secluded area??
Don’t park in bay area…reset the appointment…if the freight is late , you are alive.
I use wasp spray its direct, fairly cheap, shoots far, readily available, legal item, and works for me. I keep two large cans, stops the wasp and stops the intruder to
Best idea yet!
Am bringing bear mase with me when I start.lol
I hate delivering in the bay ,there isn’t any truck stops in that area. Nearest place is probably 30 min drive . He had to shutdown in Oakland one of the worst places in northern california. Condolences to his family.
There are no ex marines only former marines…
I feel for this driver. And hope he recovers fast. I pulled a man out of a flooding truck last July in Midland tx. Unfortunately i cought an infection from the flood waters. I ended up in the hospital for over a month. I had two surgeries and had to drive home To Georgia from Tucson with an open wound. My company left me sitting because I couldn’t load a flatbed. I’m back to driving now but we lost our house or car and or semi. We are currently living on a truck trying to get everything together. I too was an owner operator and to have insurance on myself and my family was over700 dollars a week. So I know how this family feels. God bless and good luck your in our prayers.
It is actually illegal to carry a fire arm in a commercail vechicle if it wasnt i would. Carry one believe that
The book, THE TRAVELERS GUIDE TO THE FIREARM LAWS OF THE FIFTY STATES makes it perfectly clear what states it is legal to carry in. Car or truck, all the same. Most states it is legal.
Check with your truck ins.company you should have a limited amount of coverage for bodily injury and lost work it couldn’t hurt to call
Listen to XM RADIO TOMORROW!!! Channel 146, Wednesday Jan 20th at 2PM Eastern time on Mark Willis’ Road Dog Trucking News program. Thank you James Lamb with SBTC!
So sorry to read this story. Maybe after the robbery attempt. The colliesum will let him park where he can be safe from robbers and meth-head’s.
If a truck driver is an ex-marine, has a HAZMAT and has to deliver in Oakland, CA or any other high crime area, we should be able to obtain a CHL for our trucks!
Gotta be carefull where u park.strength in numbers..trucks are easy to disable from outside, pull your lines.open your hood and mess with stuff..never park in a area alone.especially big city areas…I would sleep in my seat if I did ready to roll at the sight of any trouble.I’m a light sleeper though
In spite of this restriction from the trucking industry in general, I have ALWAYS carried my stumpy 12 gauge riot gun AND continue to carry it after retiring. In and out of ports, military bases, chemical depots, produce warehouses, including in and out of Mexico and Canada etc..
I have NEVER had ANYONE ENTER MY RIG that has asked if I’m carrying.
For 40 plus years, I’ve carried the same shotgun.. screw whomever that has issue with my GOD GIVEN RIGHT TO PROTECT MYSELF.
Keep quiet and don’t tell anyone that’s STUPID enough to ask if you have any type of weapon. IT’S NO-ONE’s DAMN BUSINESS from the get go… pc