BARTLETT, Tenn. — A Bartlett man said a random stranger changed his life forever, and the same could happen to anyone else.

Even though some people believe violent crime in Memphis doesn’t impact them, Tyler Flippen believes he’s proof it can affect anyone.

Flippen says it was 8 a.m. on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. He lives in a quiet Bartlett neighborhood, and had just returned home after taking a friend to work.

“The gun went to the back of my head,” Flippen said.

Flippen says a man he had never seen before demanded money and the gun he had in his pocket.

Flippen had just cashed his first paycheck from his new job at a warehouse.

He gave the thief what he wanted, but believes the man was determined to hurt him regardless.

“His arm straightened like he was about to shoot me and I freaked out. I didn’t want to die, so I smacked the gun out of my face,” Flippen said.

The men fought and the suspect shot Flippen in the arm, the back, and the leg. One of the shots collapsed his lung.

“My medical bills right now are $300,000,” Flippen said.

He hasn’t seen the suspect since the man ran to his getaway car. He said he’s in communication with police and could be asked to check out a photo lineup soon.

Flippen can’t go back to work yet, because he isn’t allowed to lift anything.

He recently found out his girlfriend is pregnant, and he’s concerned about having the funds to provide for the baby.

“It can happen to anybody. 8 a.m. on a Saturday morning in a family neighborhood. I was shot three times,” Flippen said.

Flippen has a GoFundMe page to help with expenses.