Stabbed cab driver eager to get back behind the wheel

Huntington, a Kami Cabs driver, picked up his passenger in the early morning hours and took him to a location at Pleasant Street and 8th Avenue. That’s when the man in the passenger seat attacked, stabbing Huntington multiple times.

“As soon as I put (the cab) in park he started attacking me,” Huntington recalled.”Then he demanded money. I gave him the money. He jumped out and ran.”

Despite his severe injuries, which included a collapsed lung and a punctured vein in his neck, Huntington had the clarity of mind to pay attention to the direction his attacker fled and was able to give police crucial information.

It wasn’t until much later that he learned how badly he was injured.

“When they brought me out of sedation on Thursday afternoon is when I started realizing how serious things actually were,” Huntington said. “But I also learned they caught the guy, which made a huge impact for my mental state. They caught him, I’m happy.”

Austin Eyres, 19, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault.

The incident shook Kami Cabs. General Manager Satinder Mann said they were worried about Huntington, who they consider part of the family.

“We were honestly very concerned,” said Mann. “At the beginning the injuries were life-threatening, so we were there a couple days to see him. At the beginning the doctors were also worried about him, but after a couple of days they were like, ‘OK, he’s getting better and better and better.’”

Huntington was discharged from hospital on Monday, Aug 29.

While Huntington recovered with family by his side, Kami Cabs began fundraising.

“Within less than a week, with the support of Kami staff, the management, directors, and the community as well, we have just raised a little over $5,000, altogether $5,175 to be precise,” Mann said.

“It’s just a way, again, to say we are supporting Cal, we are with him.”

Huntington’s injury to his neck caused him to seizure, and for that reason he will not be permitted to drive for a month. He believes the money raised by Kami Cabs will be a great support to him during that time.

Huntington considers the stabbing a “freak incident” and plans to return to work as soon as he is able.

“Well, I know after a month of doing nothing I’m going to want to get back out there,” Huntington said. “I really enjoy my job. I get to meet all sorts of different people, and I have to say everyone from down below all the way up to the professionals that I take in my car, I’ve always said my job is entertaining.”

After experiencing the generosity of his co-workers, he’s also excited to be among them once again.

“If anything can make you believe in people, this is it.”

by Jill Sperling

Stabbed cab driver eager to get back behind the wheel

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