On Friday, 51-year old Joel Cox was in critical condition after a bullet grazed his head as drove to work in the early morning. Now, he's calling his survival a miracle and speaking out about it for the first time.
Friday started as a typical day for Cox. He left the house at the same time as he always does and was driving northbound on Veterans Memorial like he does every morning. But it was at West Road where that typical day ended.
Cox has been using music to minister most his life. He believes Friday he was given another tool.
"I'm a living miracle," he said.
Cox had just left his northwest Harris County home and was driving northbound on Veterans Memorial when out of nowhere came a bullet. It went right through his windshield, hitting him just an inch from his temple.
"It went in the front here, and came out the back right here," Cox said.
Cox pulled into a gas station parking lot, first called his wife and then called 9-1-1. He was calm the entire time, even when a deputy confirmed his fear.
"He said 'Sir you've been shot,'" Cox recalled.
Cox was rushed to the hospital where he spent the night in intensive care. More than a day and many tests later, he surprised even the professionals.
"The neurologists, they were in awe that no major damage had been done," Cox said.
The ultimate diagnosis after being shot in the head was a concussion. The Harris County Sheriff's Office had gotten a shots fired call about the same time Cox was shot early Friday morning. They believe he was hit by a stray bullet and he was at the wrong place at the wrong time.
But for this musician who has now had three serious health scares in five years, he believes it was part of a plan.
"To share his goodness, what he's able and capable of doing -- saving people, protecting people," Cox said. "I'm living proof."
In the last five years, Cox has had a major bout of pneumonia, a detached retina in his left eye and now this. He says he would forgive whoever did this and hopes it would change their ways. Authorities still want to find them.
Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for any information called in to the 713-222-TIPS (8477) or submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org that leads to the filing of felony charges or arrest of the suspect(s) in this case. Tips can also be sent by text message. Text TIP610 plus your tip to CRIMES (274637). All tipsters remain anonymous.
