WASHINGTON - The 76-year-old cab driver who was shot five times over the weekend believes he was the victim of an attempted robbery. Detectives say they have not definitively established a motive for the shooting, and say they have very little to go on.

Police say the driver dropped off a fare about 1:45 a.m. Saturday in the unit block of Webster Street NE. As he made a U-turn, he stopped to let another vehicle pass. Instead, the car stop and a passenger got out, pointed a gun at the elderly cabbie and yelled "Stop!".

The 76-year-old tried to flee but the gunman opened fire, police said. The victim was shot five times in his back and abdomen.  Although critically wounded, he managed to drive away and called 911. The victim was taken to a hospital where he underwent surgery.

The victim has not been identified because he is a witness in the case. He is listed in critcal-but-stable condition.

The cabbie described the other vehicle as a 1980s Ford Crown Victoria, either silver, grey or white in color. The gunman was wearing a partial ski mask, covering everything from his nose down. There was no description of the gunman's driver, who stayed in the vehicle.

Investigators say they don't have any reports of any similar crimes.

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