To this day, the neither the government nor Patty’s insurance company have paid to have Patty’s truck repaired.
The insurance company maintains that the truck’s damage was caused by “unauthorized” or “illegal” activity.
Ultimately, Patty was forced to use funds from his 401K to pay to have the bullet holes repair and to have blood stains removed from the cab’s interior.
In total, Patty’s truck was out of service for more than three months, which resulted in an economic loss of an estimated $66,456. Combine with the repairs, Patty was out $133,532.10.
More than Money
While the loss of money was a bitter pill to swallow, Patty says the worst of the experience is that now he and his family live in fear of retaliation from the cartel.
Pictures of the bullet-riddled truck were plastered on nearly every news network. It was a major fiasco; and a major media event on the evening news. “KTRK ran a six and a half minute story on the shooting. The footage clearly depicted the license plate of Patty’s truck, making him fear, of course, that his identity would be discovered by the Zetacartel and that they, believing that he had cooperated with Chapa and the Task Force, might seek retribution,” the lawsuit states.
According to an interview with the Narco Chronicle, Patty lives in constant fear and every noise, car or movement causes sheer panic.
Patty says his young child has also been affected. I’ve gone to great lengths to keep my son believing in Santa Claus,” Patty said. “And now I’m talking to him about death, mayhem and drug cartels.”
Patty and his attorney are seeking $6.4 million retribution. There is no word on when the case will go to trial. CDLLife will bring you updates on the story.