PLANT CITY, Fla. — It's been months since a gunman killed four people, including an infant, and injured a preteen at a Lakeland home.
The lone survivor, an 11-year-old girl, was tortured and shot at least seven times before investigators say the accused shooter, Bryan Riley, left her for dead.
What Riley didn't know was the girl played dead and prayed, in the end "outsmarting him," according to law enforcement. First responders were able to help the girl after he surrendered to the authorities.
Now, the 11-year-old is able to meet the people who helped save her life.
The Amvets & American Legion Riders is hosting an event Saturday to help pay for the medical bills for the girl by bringing together the surrounding community with their cars, trucks and bikes.
A ride-along will call together drivers and passengers to four different stops around the Tampa Bay area to raise money for the preteen.
The four stops for the ride-along include:
- Amer Legion 72 Mulberry
- Amer Legion 148 Riverview
- Amvets Post 26 Dover
- Amvets Post 44 Plant City
At one of the stops, first responders will be there to greet the 11-year-old who they helped save.
The last stop in Plant City will have baskets and auction items with music and hamburgers to enjoy as well.
Each driver participating will pay $20 while every passenger puts up $10. The event starts at 9 a.m. at 300 Avenue NW in Winter Haven.
Find more information about the upcoming event here.
Riley is charged with first-degree murder in the Sept. 5 shooting death of 40-year-old Justice Gleason — the only person killed whose name has been released by the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Gleason's mother-in-law, significant other and their 3-month-old also were killed.