Wife speaks out after arrest in shooting of security guard

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. - "It takes one bullet to take a life my husband has 8 in him," said Michelle Rucker.

Rucker didn't think it was safe for her two young children to stay at their Gwinnett County home while the man who allegedly shot her husband, William Hudson, was on the run. That's why news of a recent arrest in the case brought her a sense of relief and literally brought her to tears as she spoke to FOX 5's Portia Bruner Tuesday evening.

“I was afraid because we have children and I didn't know what to do or what to expect next. I was even afraid for him in the hospital. This is such a relief because now I know the man is locked up and can't do this again or hurt anyone else,” Rucker said with tears in her eyes, as her Hudson's parents stood at her side.

Hudson, 46, was gunned September first—shot 14 times-- while he was working his regular night shift at an extended stay motel in Norcross. Based on witness accounts, Gwinnett investigators immediately identified Xavier Geder as the gunman. He eluded law officers for weeks, but Gwinnett Deputy D. Crea tracked him down in Sumter County and informed the U.S. Marshals Task Force in Macon and Marshals arrested Geder just a few days ago near Plains, Georgia.

Hudson has been in the ICU at Gwinnett Medical Center since he was shot. While there have been some tough days, Rucker says they pale in comparison to the days when her husband is awake, alert and well enough to even sit up and talk.

“Everyone at Gwinnett Medical has been amazing—the nurses and the doctors. But they all know—everyone knows--this is a miracle. It takes one bullet to take a life and he has eight in him. It's nothing but God,” Rucker said.

In the hours after the early morning shooting, many residents at the motel where Hudson has worked for six years described him as a nice fellow who went above and beyond help others. They told Bruner he often paid for food and groceries and even chipped in to help residents to pay for their weekly rent. One resident even recalled the time Hudson would encourage young children to stay out of the streets and focus on their school work. That's why Hudson's father is still stunned his son was the victim of such a violent attack. Gwinnett Police still don't know the motive.

“He's a loving and giving man. He wants to help people. I just can't understand why, after all the things he's done over the years there, why someone would shoot him down and try to take his life. It makes me angry. But my son is a strong man,” said William Hudson, Sr.

Rucker is just grateful she can now focus on her husband's recovery—without living in fear for her life or that of her two children.

“Our kids have been amazing. They've only missed a day of school in all of this and one brought home a progress report with all A's. They keep me going on the tough days. My 10 year old daughter even told me, 'Mom, God's got this.'”