A Boynton Beach man says his iPhone likely saved his life after a suspect shot him during an attempted robbery at a Marathon gas station on Tuesday.
Joseph Leatherman, an underwater photographer, said a man came up behind him, pressed a gun into his back and demanded everything he had. Leatherman said he told the man to leave him alone. The man threatened to shoot, and Leatherman said he kept refusing to comply. Police identified the suspect as Christopher Porta, according to the report.
Leatherman said Porta fired, and the iPhone and OtterBox case in his pocket deflected a 9mm round away from his body. He said three more shots were fired as he ran for cover. He has since been released from the hospital, but metal fragments remain lodged in his ankle.
Leatherman said he would not advise others to stand their ground in a similar situation. He said he is grateful to be alive.
Police used surveillance video to track down and arrest Porta. He is being held in the Palm Beach County Jail on charges of attempted robbery and attempted homicide.
