Cabdriver’s Hand Injured in Knife Attack

An Oxnard cabdriver suffered serious hand injuries when he fought off a youth holding a knife to his throat late Thursday, authorities said.

It was the third armed robbery of an Oxnard cabdriver in four months.

Leroy Edwards, 37, of Oxnard was treated at St. John’s Regional Medical Center and released following the 9:45 p.m. attack. Police searched the area shortly afterward, but had not made an arrest by Friday afternoon.

Edwards picked up two teenagers near Channel Islands Boulevard and Saviers Road and took them to an address in the 800 block of Teakwood Street, police said. One of the teenagers sat in the front seat, and the youth in the rear put the knife to Edwards’ throat when they stopped, police said.

In the ensuing struggle, Edwards managed to jump from the cab. The two youths also got out, and talked about killing the cabdriver before running off, police said.

Edwards fared better than a fellow Yellow Cab Co. driver who was robbed last August. Omar Leon, 36, fought with an armed robber and was shot in the face. He is still recuperating from his injuries.

In that case, Oxnard detectives tracked down the suspect, Durias L. Taylor, using clues and help from an informant. Taylor, 21, of Oxnard faces prosecution for attempted murder and robbery, said Sgt. Dan Christian.

Taylor was also investigated for a robbery that occurred about a week before Leon’s shooting, but no charges were filed, Christian said. In that case, a Yellow Cab driver was robbed of $60 to $70 and then forced into the trunk at gunpoint. He managed to spring the lock and free himself.

Christian said police don’t recommend that cabdrivers fight back as Edwards and Leon did.

“Just like we tell people in carjackings, just give them the money and the car. It’s not worth your life,” he said.

Although Yellow Cab officials declined comment Friday, other cabbies said each incident is nerve-racking.

“I work days, and that’s a lot [safer],” said John Briones, who has been driving for Oxnard Yellow Cab for about 21 months. “I think the night crew are pretty apprehensive about it.”