EXCLUSIVE: Uber driver speaks out after being attacked in Bellflower

BELLFLOWER, Calif. (KABC) -- As an Uber driver for one month, Moe Elhilu thought he had already seen the worst that could happen.

"I had drunk people. I had nasty people. I had never seen any situation like that," says the new driver.

Elhilu now has two staples binding a stab wound to his back. Hurt even worse was a Good Samaritan who had tried to defend Elhilu and his passengers. That victim was rushed to Long Beach Memorial Hospital in critical condition.

It happened near the Flux Bar on Lakewood Boulevard in Bellflower at 2:20 a.m. Saturday as patrons were leaving. The bar managers say the Good Samaritan is a regular customer who is recovering and now wishes he had backed off and called security.

"He didn't realize what he was getting into. Nobody did," says bar manager Melissa Gutierrez.

Elhilu says it started when some teens rolled up and confronted him. First they asked for $5. When he refused, he says he felt a bump to his back.

He continued to help two couples get in his car.

Elhilu says he didn't realize until after he left with his customers that his back was wet with blood.

In a statement, an Uber spokesperson said, "We have reached out to this valued member of the Uber community and have offered our assistance to law enforcement in their investigation."

Sheriff's investigators have begun reviewing surveillance video in the area but are not ready to release any details about the suspects, who may face charges of attempted murder.

For Elhilu's services picking up the group at the bar, he earned $7.18 -- a minor sum for what could have cost him his life. Still, he says he will continue driving because he needs the job.