TAMPA, Fla. — A Tampa cab driver quit his job the day after he wrestled an armed robber.
Tampa Police officers said the incident Wednesday night. The cab driver spoke to ABC Action News, Thursday, but asked us not to use his name.
He described the moment he knew he had to fight back against the armed robber. The crime happened Wednesday around 11:25 p.m. near N. Nebraska Avenue and E. Seward Street.
Related: Tampa police arrest man who reportedly shot cab driver duringattemptedrobbery
"I'm dying or I kill him," the cab driver said.
Officers arrested Stephon Dye, 19. He was charged with robbery and aggravated battery with great bodily harm.
"He (bite) me everywhere," the cab driver said.
The cab driver knew the only chance of surviving was to fight back against the armed robbery. The cab driver was shot once near the hip area. He said he felt thankful to be alive.
"My life is very important," the cab driver said.
The cab driver told ABC Action News he yanked the gun out of Dye's hand after he was shot. He even tried to shoot Dye.
"When I get the gun, I try to shoot. No more bullets," the cab driver said.
He then said he started beating Dye in the head with the gun and managed to push an emergency button to get officers to him.
This is not the first time officers have arrested Dye. About two weeks ago, officers arrested Dye for grand theft of a motor vehicle. He is accused of stealing a woman's SUV from a parking garage.
In last night's case, according to the arrest affidavit, Dye admitted he planned the robbery.
The cab driver told me he thanked God he survived it.
According to authorities, Dye stole about $900. The cab driver said that was his friend's money. They are both from Haiti and they send money to family and friends in Haiti. The cab driver said he has another job, but will not be working for a few weeks.
