Taxi community demands action after 2 drivers shot in less than 2 weeks
Caution tape still hangs outside 103 North Portland Ave., where police say 50-year-old taxi driver Amin MD was shot while trying to break up an argument between two drivers following a crash.
The city’s taxi community is demanding answers after two drivers were shot in separate incidents less than two weeks apart, sparking renewed calls for action against gun violence.
Caution tape still hangs outside 103 North Portland Ave., where police say 50-year-old taxi driver Amin MD was shot while trying to break up an argument between two drivers following a crash. Investigators say one of the bullets also struck a parked car nearby.
A nearby resident, Mandy, said the sound of gunfire and the aftermath left neighbors shaken.
“It was around like two shots, and then we saw the aftermath of it. We came down and we saw the glass was broken. We will be fearful, but it's pretty common in this area," Mandy said.
The shooting came just one day after 12-year-old Jacob Freytes was fatally struck outside a Bronx deli. It also happened less than two weeks after 21-year-old rideshare driver Danish Sarwar was shot in the neck during an attempted carjacking near Prospect Lefferts Gardens. Sarwar remains in critical condition.
Residents say the string of violence has left many feeling increasingly concerned about gun access across the city.
Luis, who lives in the area, said, “There's a lot of there's a lot of kids with guns in their hands right now, especially in this city. There isn't much you can do about that, because if somebody wants something bad enough, they're going to have it.”
The back-to-back shootings prompted the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers and the United Bodegas of America to stand together during a press conference, calling for justice and stronger action to address gun violence.
Fernando Mateo, spokesperson for both organizations, warned that shootings can quickly put innocent bystanders in danger.
“Bullets don't have eyes. They're not going to go where you wanted to go. Bullets go everywhere. And any bystander to an event could become the victim. The guns are out on the streets today because nothing is being done when these people get caught with the guns.”
Garry, a taxi driver, said the risks are part of the job but drivers still try to protect themselves. “There are certain, risk in this job, because you're out there and you sometimes you drive in a certain neighborhood - so, you know, you try to protect yourself as much as possible.”
The New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in either of the two taxi driver shootings that have shaken the city’s taxi community.
Police sources tell News 12 that they will continue to investigate both cases.
