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Man wanted for shooting cabbie in West Philly

Police are asking for the public's help in finding a 27-year-old man accused of shooting a cab driver in West Philadelphia during a robbery.

Police are asking for the public's help in finding a 27-year-old man accused of shooting a cab driver in West Philadelphia during a robbery.

Paul Leavy, of Florence Street near 49th in West Philadelphia, is wanted in the June 27 incident. Police said officers responded to a call for a cab driver shot in the hand at Farragut and Walnut. When they arrived, officers found the 33-year-old cabbie with a gunshot wound to his right thumb and left index finger.

The cabbie told police he picked up Leavy on Baltimore Avenue near 48th Street, and Leavy asked to go to 47th and Locust streets. The driver said when the arrived Leavy instructed him to turn down the 200 block of South Farragut Street. The driver said that once he pulled over Leavy drew a black handgun, reached through the partition and pointed the gun at his head, demanding money.

The driver grabbed the gun and a struggle ensued. During the tussle, Leavy fired one shot, striking the victim in the finger. He demanded money, the driver's cell phone and his car key. The driver said he gave Leavy an unknown amount of cash, his cell phone and the car key. Leavy got out of the cab and walked south on Farragut Street.

Authorities said Levy is known to frequent the area of 46th and Walnut streets. Anyone with information on Leavy's location is asked to call 215-686-3183 or 911.