Watch CBS News

Exclusive: Cab Driver Shot In Head Tells Near-Death Story

FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) -- Joseph Nare removed his hat on Wednesday evening to reveal a small strip of black hair and more than half a dozen staples.

It is the spot where Fort Lauderdale Police said Joseph Keel fired a gun at Nare during a robbery attempt as the cab driver dropped Keel off in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday afternoon.

Click here to watch Carey Codd's report. 

Police said they arrested Keel on Wednesday and charged him with several felonies, including attempted murder.

Joseph Keel
(Source: BSO)

Nare was pleased with the news.

"A guy like that don't have to be in the streets, you know," Nare told CBS 4's Carey Codd, in an exclusive interview. "He gonna keep doing the same thing."

Nare said he came within inches of being a murder victim. He said the close encounter with death left him grateful for his life and pondering his mortality.

"Since it happen, I never sleep," Nare said. "Keep thinking about it. Keep thinking about my life."

Nare said he's been driving a cab for 16 years and has never been robbed. He said he picked Keel up near the Lauderhill Mall on Saturday afternoon and drove him to Fort Lauderdale. When they stopped, Nare said Keel pulled a gun on him.

"He told me, 'Give me your f---ing money.' And I raise my hand and I try to open the door to jump out and he shot," Nare explained.

Nare said Keel shot him in the head and shoulder and both men leapt from the cab which was moving about ten miles an hour. Nare ran for help and Keel got away but investigators said they tracked Keel down on Wednesday and arrested him at a park near Lauderhill Middle School.

Nare has a wife and three kids. He said he needs to earn a living but isn't sure that driving a cab is the way to do it.

Court records showed Keel has been arrested at least nine times since 2001 for charges including robbery, aggravated assault and drug possession.

RELATED CONTENT:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.