Taxi driver describes being shot in face by passenger in Canarsie
According to police, the incident happened around 1:40 a.m. at East 101 Street and Flatlands Avenue.
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A Brooklyn taxi driver was shot in the face early Monday morning, in what the driver believes was an attempted robbery.
Now, the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers is calling for justice and offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest.
The 54-year-old driver, Prince Ezenekwe, was working around 1:40 a.m. when he got into a dispute with a passenger near East 101st Street and Flatlands Avenue, according to police.
At some point during the argument, Ezenekwe pulled over, and the passenger stepped out. Moments later, gunshot rang out.
“What I saw is the gun pointed straight at my head - point blank," said Ezenekwe.
The bullet grazed the right side of Ezenekwe’s cheek. Despite his injury, he was able to drive himself to Brookdale Hospital. He is expected to be OK.
Ezenekwe has a wife and is a father of five who has been a taxi driver for more than 23 years.
"I’m not supposed to be alive, I’m not supposed to be speaking to you right now.I'm the luckiest man alive," said Ezenekwe.
Police say the suspect fled on foot after the shooting and remains on the loose.
The suspect is described as a man between 20 and 30 years old, wearing all black clothing with his face covered.
No arrests have been made.
The New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers held a press conference Monday, condemning the attack and calling for tougher penalties for violent offenders.
"Prince is a miracle driver. This is not just a wakeup call, it’s a demand for justice. Our drivers risk their lives every night, and today, Prince nearly paid with his life," said Fernando Mateo, spokesperson for NYSFTD.
The group is urging Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez to prosecute the case to the fullest extent of the law and to oppose any bail for the suspect once arrested.
The federation is offering a $5,000 reward for any information that leads to the capture and conviction of the shooter.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS.
