Cab Driver Paralyzed by Teen Talks About Shooting

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - A paralyzed cab driver speaks to FOX13, three weeks after he was shot by an 18-year old who pretended to need a ride.

Leo Boyd said despite his condition, he's in high spirits and doing well, thanks to the good people at the Regional Medical Center. Boyd said he has worked the night shift as a cabbie for a decade. In his 10 years, he's never been afraid of doing his job. August 3rd proved to be different, when he answered a call that would forever change his life.

Boyd has spent the last three weeks at the med, resting and recovering from a gunshot wound that left him paralyzed.

"He just shot me for no reason," said Boyd.

Boyd was working for Metro Taxi Cab on August 3rd when he was sent to this house, on 3409 Point Pleasant. When he arrived, around 2:30 in the morning, he noticed a man standing in the driveway on his cell phone.

"When I unlocked my back door, he stuck half of his body in my car and stuck a pistol in my face. Told me don't move."

Police say the gunman was this man, 18-year old Courtney Gholston. Fearful, and hoping to escape, the cabbie punched the gas, before crashing into another car, parked on the street.

"That young man had the intent to murder me. That was his intent because of the fact that he put the pistol to my head, and because I threw back my hand and knock it back, he re-cocked the pistol and he just shot me," said Boyd.

Boyd called his dispatcher, and waited for help, hoping Gholston didn't come back.

"One of the young people there, he talked to me until they got there. His name was Jason, and I thank him today for what he did for me because he saved my life, he saved my life."

The bullet missed the main artery that feeds his heart, by inches. But it lodged near a nerve in his spine to paralyze the veteran taxi driver. He has no feeling from his waist to his knees.

"Thank god, I'm alive today," said Boyd.

On Friday, he was moved from recovery to rehab. Physical therapy is the focus now.

"I been in there 3 days, and already, they have taught me how to roll over and sit up, by myself."

This grandfather said his pride hurts worse than the physical injuries since the incident stripped him of his independence. With the help of his doctors, nurses, and therapists, he's remaining positive.

"Lord, thank you for sending me somewhere that actually cares about people, what more can I say?"

As for the gunman, Leo Boyd identified Courtney Gholston in a photo lineup.

The cabbie said he has already forgiven the 18-year old. He just hopes he doesn't get a chance to walk the streets again, and cause harm to someone else.