Taxi Driver Shot in Back Near SDSU
A man reportedly shot a taxi driver near San Diego State University and stole his cab Friday, police said.
The Yellow Cab Co. driver was in serious condition at UC San Diego Medical Center, a hospital nursing supervisor said.
William Joseph Tufford, 47, of San Diego, was shot once in the back with a .22-caliber handgun, police spokesman Bill Robinson said. The bullet passed through or near Tufford’s lung, Robinson said.
Tufford apparently picked up the assailant as a passenger in Pacific Beach. The shooting occurred about 2:25 p.m. in the 5100 block of Yerba Santa Drive near Montezuma Road, Robinson said.
An elderly couple reportedly saw Tufford and the attacker fighting on the ground. Another witness reported hearing two shots. The thief fled the scene in the cab, carrying the gun, Robinson said..
Police do not know if the man robbed Tufford, Robinson said.
The thief was described as white, in his early 30s, with long blond hair.
The stolen Yellow Cab, a 1987 Chevrolet Celebrity, is No. 861.
Police ask anyone with information about the case to call 235-TIPS. A $1,000 reward is available for information leading to an arrest in the case.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
