Beaten Homeless Man Out Of Hospital
NBC 4
A man without a home, who is a beloved fixture on Main Street, is released from the hospital Monday morning.
REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio—A man without a home, who is a beloved fixture on Main Street, was released from the hospital Monday morning.
NBC 4 reported with the FAST FACTS.
Bob Wirtz was recovering at Mount Carmel Medical Center East after he was attacked a week ago.
He hangs out on Main Street, and several business owners help house and feed him.
Reynoldsburg Police Lieutenant Jim O’Neill said although Wirtz lives in a different world, he’s a community fixture.
Friends said Wirtz has been hanging around since at least 1979.
Last Monday morning, Wirtz’s friends were in for a tragic surprise.
The owner of Connell Hardware, Jean Connell, found Wirtz beaten in his sleeping bag, right outside the store.
Wirtz told police he was beaten.
Sunoco owner Jo Lynne Gates started a donation jar at her Sunoco station. She’s going to be working through Chase Bank, she said.
She said the donations were to go towards Wirtz’s medical expenses.
Reynoldsburg police continued to search for suspects.
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FYI
Bob did not get the wires off his jaw. Two more weeks. He is doing as well as can be expected. I think a little anxious to go back to the “berg”.
Thanks again to everyone for all your support.
Charity, thank you for everything. You have done so much for Bob. You are amazing.
Reynoldsburg Police Department, thank you for all your efforts and the updates.
XO
I am unsure if nbc4i.com will issue an update to this story but the Columbus Dispatch reported yesterday afternoon that 2 of 3 alleged suspects in Robert Wirtz’ attack are in police custody. Two of the trio are 17, the third is 18. They are from Reynoldsburg, Groveport and Canal Winchester.
Bob has agreed to stay out of town with family for a couple of weeks so they can help him as needed. He did tell me that he would be going back to Reynoldsburg.
There are no words or gestures that can express the depth of gratitude all of Bob’s family feels for all of the people that have done so much for Bob. Thank you for making him part of your “family”.
Mizziemac3, how dare you; how dare you even attempt to shame these people with your demeaning attitude. It is apparent from your post you don’t have clue one about Bob or the situation. Too many people have already used this story as an avenue to further their self-righteous racial and political agendas, the character of my family was maligned and now you attack the character of the people that have befriended and support him.
Most everyone in Reynoldsburg, his family and anyone that sees Bob, does whatever he allows them to do for him. Bob sometimes accepts people’s help, other times he doesn’t, but he won’t allow anyone to push anything on him if he doesn’t need it. He is not consumed by greed, the desire for material goods or much of anything else, except to live his life as he chooses and in peace. He never asks for, nor expects anything from, anyone, ever. The people that know him; know this, and from what I’ve seen and heard, most of them would gladly make a place for him in their homes without a second thought. He is not like many people you’re likely to meet in three lifetimes; which is why I believe so many have done so much for him and why they genuinely care about him.
Again, thank you all.
I for one am glad he is out of the hospital and Im sure his family is to. That means he must be feeling a little better. Dont assume this town hasnt helped Bob because alot have and he is proud from what I see. His family has tried to from what I have read. People look he has always been here in Rey, and no one has bothered him and then this terrible misfortune happened. Yes alot of us are trying to help but if the table was turned we may not want it either. He is a GOOD MAN who didnt deserve this and shouldnt have had it happen. BOB get well soon and for his family THANK YOU AGAIN for keeping is posted here on his progress. I hope they catch whoever did this and turn them over to REYNOLDBURGS people.
He will not take the help handed to him. He does have some issues. My family and I once bought him a meal and he took it and threw it across McDonalds.
many people of this proud town have reached out our hands to help this gentleman. However, you can not force someone to take your hand.
Mizziemac3, I think you had better do a bit of research before you start criticizing people. Let me do the hard work for you: http://www.nbc4i.com/cmh/news/crime/article/community_rallies_to_help_homeless_man/15682/
If you would, please read the comments from people who are either related to Bob or actually know him and know about his situation. You obviously do not, therefore, I will state that if you don’t know the facts then don’t assume that no one is doing anything for Bob. The community of Reynoldsburg has and always will do whatever we can for Bob, in accordance to his wishes.
On a better note, I am very glad to hear that Bob is out of the hospital. I’m hoping that the police can catch whomever did this and throw their butts in jail.
My question about this story is if the community loves this man so very much and sings he praises why oh why hasn’t someone help this homeless man ??? find him a home, job, take him in anything???? Everyone speak of how nice he is and has been homeless for so long but NO ONE IS HELPING THIS NICE MAN? A community giving lip service only is not helping at all SHAME ON YOU ALL!
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