Art curator recalls shooting

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - A local art curator was shot several times outside his Midtown Mobile home last week. Friday, he spoke to FOX10 about his horrifying experience.

Wayne McNeil is the art curator for Space 301 in Downtown Mobile.

McNeil was shot a total of three times; in the arm, abdomen, and underneath his other arm.  

He said he had been outside on a front yard swing, listening to music on his Kindle Fire, when he decided to call it a night and head indoors. As he walked up his driveway, McNeil said at least two men approached him from behind and, without warning, opened fire.

“He's saying, 'Do you like my gun? Do you like my pistol?” remembered McNeil. “I remember him showing it to me like this.”

McNeil said he didn’t realize he had been shot until he saw the gun. As he attempted to scramble indoors he said he was shot again.

 He said he was then shot a third time as he tried to open his front door.

“I remember lifting up and opening the door and getting in and then shutting it, and I don't know if I was able to lock the door or if my roommate locked the door. And we got in toward the back and thank God they just left or decided not to come in,” said McNeil.

The suspects apparently ran off after McNeil entered his home, where he found his roommate.

He said he was focused on staying alert.

“I wouldn't allow myself to say to anyone who was helping me, ‘don't let me die,’ said McNeil. “I just tried to stay engaged and answer questions.”

Authorities said the men took off without any valuables.

Police said they are still working the case and are asking for anyone with information to come forward.

Meanwhile, Mobile musician Gregg Fells has organized an event for McNeil.

It's also aimed at bringing awareness to recent crime in midtown mobile.

It will be held this Sunday at The Brickyard on Dauphin Street.