Mom of critically wounded robbery victim thanks resident who helped her son

Joy Dobbs, mother of Dakotah Earley, talks about her son’s recovery as David Hussar, left, looks on. Photo credit Craig Dellimore

By Craig Dellimore

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The mother of the young man shot three times and critically wounded in a robbery in Lincoln Park says he’s making progress on the eve of his 24th birthday.

Joy Dobbs says every day is a good day for her son Dakotah Earley.

He was gunned down May 6 in a robbery near the DePaul University campus. One of his legs has been amputated. His jaw is wired shut, but he’s alive and helped identify his alleged attacker for police.

His mother came to Chicago City Hall on Monday to meet David Hussar, the man who called 9-1-1 and then went outside to help Earley until paramedics arrived. She said without his actions she would not have her son.

Dakota and she will celebrate both of their birthdays on Tuesday. “We’re just glad to be able to have that one more birthday together.”

Asked about all the violence in the streets, Dobbs said she’s at a loss for words.

“I never expected my son would be a hashtag,” she said.

Tyshon Brownlee, 19, is charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting Earkley. He’s believed to have been involved in a string of robberies.