JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – More than a month after a good Samaritan was shot in the face and his car stolen, police are asking for help finding the three men who are responsible.
The shooting happened just down the street from Ralph Tackett's home on Fort Caroline Road.
Tackett said he heard a car accident and jumped into his own car to help, but instead was shot and the three men then got in Tackett's car and drove off.
"As soon as I got there three young guys approached the car, said they needed a tire. I turned around and looked, and when I looked back they put a gun under my chin and told me to get out of my car," said Tackett. "As soon as I got out of my car they just shot me."
Tackett had no idea the car he had stopped to help was also stolen. He also didn't think trying to help others might also cost him his life.
Police said the three men drove off in Tackett's Pontiac Bonneville, which has since been found. But despite their efforts to find the men, police now say they've exhausted all leads in the case.
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"Obviously they're up to no good. Stealing cars and they're willing to shoot somebody without hesitation, so they need to be caught," said Tackett.
Tackett was in the hospital for several days and had to go through surgery to have the bullet removed from his face. Despite everything he told Channel 4 Tuesday night that the shooting and his near death experience has changed him for the better.
"I'm thankful to be alive. I don't sweat all the small stuff anymore. I'm just living, so they did me a favor really," said Tackett.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with any information on Tackett's case to call Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS.
