Cops need help identifying taxicab passenger who refused to pay fare and held driver at gunpoint (Video)

On July 18, Florida’s Broward Sheriff’s Office reported on an incident that many taxicab or Uber drivers may have worried about at one time or another – picking up a fare who ends up pointing a gun at the back of your head.  This scenario played out for one taxicab driver in the 7800 block of Southwest Eighth Street, North Lauderdale, on the Fourth of July.  And now, the Broward Sheriff’s Office and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit are asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating the armed gunman who refused to pay his cab fare and held the taxicab driver at gunpoint. 

The crime occurred around 1:32 a.m., Monday, July 4. Preliminary investigation revealed the cab driver picked up the male passenger named “James” near the 7800 block of Southwest Eighth Street in North Lauderdale. Once the passenger was inside the taxicab, the driver drove off and explained that full payment of the cab fare was required before being transported. That’s when investigators say the subject became irate, demanded another cab, and pulled a gun on the driver.

Surveillance video inside the taxicab shows the driver calling for a second cab and asking the subject to wait outside. The passenger refuses to leave and demands that the driver returns to the original pickup location.

A few minutes later, the driver is seen with his hands held up, begging for his life. The victim says to the gunman, “please, don’t kill me,” before crashing into a parked car. The cab driver then returns to the original location, and the gunman exits the cab without paying the fare.

Investigators are asking anyone with information on the gunman’s identity and location to contact Det. Lacey Fitzpatrick at 954-321-4328 or to submit a tip through the SaferWatch App. If you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477), online at browardcrimestoppers.org, or dial **TIPS (8477) from any cellphone in the United States.

Note:  the adult male taxicab driver’s identity is being withheld per Marsy’s Law.

See the surveillance video below, recorded inside the taxicab, showing the still unidentified passenger.

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today   /   Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter