Norman Man Hospitalized for 59 Days After Road Rage Attack

A Norman man is left jobless and homeless after spending 59 days in the hospital recovering from a road rage attack.

Tuesday, June 22nd 2010, 11:53 pm

By: News 9


By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A Norman man, who recently lost more than 200 pounds, has been on a tough road to recovery after a road rage attack.

Forty-nine-year-old Steve Leisinger said he was beaten during a road rage attack three months ago, and now he said he's jobless and homeless.

Back in February, Leisinger was strutting his new self at a fashion show and said his health was back on track after weighing nearly 500 pounds. However, he said the road rage attack left him disfigured.

Three months later, Leisinger is finally out of the hospital, but he said he's still struggling.

"It ain't me. I don't know who this is. It wasn't the happy guy at the fashion show," Leisinger said.

Leisinger said what happened back in March is still a mystery. He said he remembers pulling up to an intersection on Northwest 23rd Street and Santa Fe Avenue.

"And a gentleman cut me off. Don't know why," Leisinger said.

But Leisinger said he and the other driver continued on 23rd Street toward Lincoln Boulevard near the State Capitol, and that's when it happened.

"He cut me off again. I got out of the car after he backed into my car, and next thing I know, I ended up in the hospital and don't know why or what happened," Leisinger said.

Leisinger was in the hospital for 59 days. His jaw was broken in five places, the bone around his eye was crushed, and surgeons have done extensive work on his face.

His jaw was wired shut for so long, Leisinger lost another 49 pounds, but he's also lost his job and his home. He's now staying at the Phoenix House, a home for veterans.

And despite all he's been through, the man who lost so much in the last year is still looking on the bright side of things.

"I'm still alive. Thank God. I'm still alive after this. They can't knock us Okies down. They just can't do it," Leisinger said.

Leisinger is still facing surgery to repair his shoulder.

Despite needing help, Leisinger said the man who beat him was arrested by OHP. In addition to the criminal charges, he also plans to file a civil lawsuit against the man who assaulted him.

More on News9.com: Oklahoma Man Struts Down the Runway 200 Pounds Lighter

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