San Francisco Dispensary Owner Survives Shooting; Community Rallying Behind Him
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) – Martin Olive, owner of the Vapor Room smoke shop in San Francisco, experienced a life-altering incident recently when he was shot multiple times by a stranger outside his shop. The attack, which occurred just over a week ago, has left him with serious physical injuries and a profound emotional impact.
Details of the Incident
Recalling the shocking moment, Olive described the initial disbelief he felt, stating, “I thought it was like a TikTok prank or a joke, like a water gun. It didn’t make sense.” As the assailant opened fire, Olive instinctively raised his hands and attempted to dodge the bullets, but two shots struck him in the face, leading to excruciating pain.
As he turned to flee, Olive fell to the ground, only to find the shooter standing above him, continuing the assault. “I have a bullet wound here above my collar, then the two in my back which caused all sorts of other injuries – I have a fractured jaw, fractured shoulder,” Olive recounted. He also suffered from cracked ribs after hyperventilating due to his traumatic injuries.
The Emergency Response
As Olive lay on the sidewalk, confused and in pain, a nearby nurse rushed to his aid, applying compresses and providing comfort amidst the chaos. “She was the first angel to come and bring some sort of normalcy,” Olive said, grateful for her intervention.
The Aftermath
The confrontation ended in a police standoff, during which the shooter was killed. Investigators later discovered multiple firearms in the shooter’s apartment, which was located in the same building as Olive’s shop.
Throughout the entire ordeal, Olive grappled with feelings of fear and disbelief. “I kept screaming and thinking, why me? I didn’t do anything,” he expressed in distress, questioning the motive behind the attack.
Medical Treatment and Recovery
Paramedics transported Olive to Zuckerberg San Francisco General hospital, where he received immediate and critical care. “They saved my life multiple times,” he emphasized. Olive vividly recalled pleading with emergency personnel, “Don’t let me die,” and receiving reassurances from the medical team that he would pull through.
A Community’s Support
As he embarks on a lengthy recovery process, Olive has received significant support from his community. Friends and family have rallied around him, providing encouragement through cards and messages. “My friend and live-in nurse Tiffany is taking good care of me,” he mentioned, appreciating the assistance as he heals from deep wounds.
Looking Ahead
Despite the ongoing recovery challenges, Olive remains optimistic and grateful for the second chance at life. “I want to do some good work, to help people,” he affirmed. His eagerness to reconnect with the nurse who aided him and to express gratitude to his care team underscores his commendable spirit during this trying time.
As a temporary measure, the Vapor Room will host a community event to mark the shop’s closure while Martin focuses on his health. A GoFundMe campaign set up by friends aims to assist in covering his medical expenses and other financial burdens associated with the incident.
Through this harrowing experience, Martin Olive’s story not only highlights the harsh realities of violent crime but also illustrates the vital role of community support in healing and recovery.
