SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - We have a follow-up to a story we first brought you Tuesday about a gardener in La Jolla who was violently attacked and robbed of thousands of dollars. His story touched a local couple, and now this generous family is making sure the man's savings are replenished.
When News 8 first aired the story on Tuesday about a gardener in La Jolla who was beaten and robbed of $3,000 he had been saving up for months to buy a more reliable car, the North County couple -- who wishes to remain anonymous-- decided to help him out.
"We saw that story and it just irked me, especially because he was so victimized. He saved all this money for his car, it was such a sad story," the News 8 viewer said.
They contacted News 8, wanting to replace the man's missing $3,000. So we put them in touch with Cathy Luna, the woman who lives in the La Jolla condo complex where the man works, and who first alerted us about the attack.
The couple has since put a check in the mail to Luna, who will cash the generous gift and present it to the gardener, who she says is a hard worker and a struggling father of a 12-year-old girl.
"Our kids are in college and we feel so blessed in our lives and when you stumble across these moments, these people who don't have quite the same blessings… we both believe that we're blessed to be blessings to others," the News 8 viewer said.
And they're hoping others who can will do the same for those in need.
"Even if you give your time, your talent or your treasures, if you just took those things that we have and bless others with our time, it's a difference maker," the News 8 viewer said.
Luna says the gardener doesn't know about the gift yet, and she will ensure the money is kept in a safe and secure place, so he is not victimized again.
Meantime, San Diego police say there is an active investigation. They are searching for the attackers, described as two Hispanic men in their early to mid 40s, both about 5 feet 8 inches tall. One is heavy set, and was wearing a green jacket, dark pants, and blue baseball cap that fell off when he ran away.
Please call Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-TIPS if you have any information about this case.
