WILLIAMSPORT -- For the first time we are hearing from a cab driver who was shot on the job in Williamsport. Thursday he spoke with Newswatch 16 and says he forgives the alleged shooter.
Cab driver Gene Phillips stood outside the Lycoming County Courthouse with his family. You'd never know that just a month ago he was shot. Phillips says he is on his way to a full recovery.
“I feel good,” said Phillips.
Police say Phillips was driving his cab in Williamsport in May when the passenger, Dante Washington, robbed and shot him.
“Once he shot me, I was like total blood all over me. I was in pain,” said Phillips.
Washington was cuffed walking into his preliminary hearing, which was later rescheduled. Phillips came to the court house for the hearing.
“I forgive the guy for what he did, but justice needs to be served,” said Phillips.
Police said Phillips helped police identify Washington. Phillips says he remembers the early morning he was shot; that Washington demanded money, and told Philips, "I want it all."
“I said 'what?' I turned around to look. That's when he shot me. He didn't give me any time to do anything,” Phillips recalled.
His family says Phillips is a walking miracle.
“The power of prayer works. You see it for yourself. You see how good he is doing,” said his sister Dawn Phillips.
The family says they are having a hard time forgiving the suspected shooter.
“Yeah, I can't really say what I would say to him. It wouldn't be nice,” said Dawn Phillips.
Washington's family was also at the courthouse. They say Washington is not guilty. Phillips is scheduled for another surgery. He says he is not sure if he will continue cab driving once he has completely recovered.