'If It Was My Time, It Was My Time' Says Student After Violent Attack In Redlands

LOMA LINDA (CBSLA.com) — A college student who detectives say was viciously attacked by a suspected gang member is speaking out.

"Of course, if it was my time, it was my time. That I was not afraid of," said Furman Nuby, who sustained a gash that stretches from his ear to nearly his mouth in the attack last Friday.

"I thought I was just hit. Kind of in shock. Adrenaline pumping," he said.

Police said Nuby was an innocent victim in the May 22 attack that unfolded after he left the Art Institute of California following a night class.

"My school has a computer lab and they stay open late after classes because I had a night class," he said.

Police said the attack in a residential neighborhood in Redlands was completely unprovoked.

Officers say Robert Carson, 38, is a known gang member. Police allege that Carson pulled his car over, took out a knife, and slashed Nuby across the face.

Police said Carson claimed Nuby was violating his turf.

"It wasn't until I heard the blood first actually and then saw it, then I realized, I was like, 'OK, this is severe.' I've never had something like this happen to me. Try to be calm," he said.

Nuby was able to call 911 and get help.

Hours later, police say Carson got into an accident and alert officers recognized the car they were looking for.

He was arrested.

"I'm grateful that I don't operate that way. I am truly a changed person. And I just pray the same for himself," Nuby said.

Redlands officers took it upon themselves to raise funds to get Nuby a laptop. Doctors expect him to make a full recovery.