Man Who Slashed Cabbie's Throat Arrested: Police

Tip to rookie cop leads to arrest of 20-year-old Blackwood, N.J. man

A 20-year-old Blackwood, N.J. man was arrested Wednesday night on charges of attempted murder for allegedly slashing the throat of a cab driver.

Randy S. James Jr. of 2049 Barnsboro Road was arrested late Wednesday after police received a tip on the June 10 throat slashing of 28-year-old Camden County cab driver Shaun McDonel.

McDonel picked up the suspect at the Blackwood ShopRite along Blackwood-Clementon Road in the early morning hours of June 10. As McDonel drove to the entrance of The Club apartments in Deptford at about 3 a.m., his rider slashed his throat, started to run and then turned back to steal $100 cash, police say.

A fellow cab driver, Steve Moser, drove to McDonel’s car after he radioed for help.

“He was out of the car standing on the curb and he had pulled his shirt up around his neck and he was absolutely covered in blood," Moser said.

McDonel was rushed to Cooper University Hospital and put into a medically induced coma. Miraculously, just a week later, McDonel made a quick recovery and was able to speak to NBC Philadelphia last Friday.

"He asked what the fare was. I said 'It's $24, sir.' Those were the last words I spoke before he came at me with the knife," McDonel said. “With something like this, you go from living your life, living your days to thanking every day.”

According to police, the surveillance footage of the suspect was no help in making an arrest. It was a tip to a rookie police officer and good old fashioned police work that resulted in James’ arrest and the recovery of the knife that was used in the attack.

Police charged James, who is originally from North Carolina, with attempted murder, robbery, aggravated assault with a weapon, and criminal attempt, among other charges.
 

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