QuoteJACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Cab drivers in Jacksonville are on edge after two attacks on two drivers from the Gator City Taxi Company in one week.
The killing of 43-year-old Stuart Carson and the stabbing and robbery of 71-year-old Marcel Jean Gilles is the topic of conversation among cab drivers in downtown Jacksonville Tuesday. One cab driver told Action News she's working alongside a friend Tuesday because she's worried.
Cab driver Sean, who declined to give his last name, said he's already taking steps to take care of himself.
"I'll be cautious and if I don't like somebody that really looks bad, I would have him sit in the front instead or decline to take him," said Sean.
Some said they will refuse to go into the neighborhoods where the attacks happened.
On Saturday, police found Carson shot to death inside his cab in the Brentwood area of West 27th Street. Tuesday morning, less than 2 miles away, another incident on Grunthal Street, Gilles was stabbed by two men who police said robbed him.
Albert Smith lives near Grunthal Street, he said it wasn't that long ago that he couldn't even get pizza delivered to his home because of the potential danger.
"They've been robbed before. This was six, seven years ago right on this block," said Smith.
According to cab drivers Action News spoke to, while their cars have panic buttons, they don't have cameras, which is something they'd like to see implemented. Until then, they'll put safety before a fare.
"We're just doing a service for the community. People depend on us to take them places. It's not all about the money," said Sean.
In the latest attack, a neighbor called 911 after witnessing the assailants getting away.
According to the police report, the caller said one of them was severely injured and could barely walk. So far, there have been no arrests in either case.
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Edited to include the link to the story
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/story/news/local/2014/06/10/cab-driver-stabbed-robbed/10269603/
44 replies for Las Vegas, 0 for Jacksonville cab drivers.
I said something initially, but deleted it because contrary to popular belief, I don't like arguing all of the time. I'll say this much, both incidents were unfortunate, and I hope the people responsible die a slow death. The selective outrage is real.
Your right, it is sad. These crimes don't fulfill a political agenda.
My condolences for the family of Mr. Carson and best wishes for Mr. Gilles. I hope that the criminals responsible pay for their crimes.
^^^Keep on telling it like it is NotNow. That's what I love about MAD DADS, they are consistent across the board no matter who the victims are. You're not gonna see them consistently all over CNN etc as there is no agenda, but the are in the streets apolitically.