Woman says daughter had ‘frightening’ encounter with man who posed as cab driver at Bay Plaza Mall

Monica Hargraves says she recalls the disturbing details her daughter says she experienced last Sunday at the mall when she got into what she thought was a livery cab.

News 12 Staff

May 14, 2021, 12:11 AM

Updated 1,244 days ago

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A mother says her daughter had a frightening encounter with a man pretending to be a cab driver at a Bronx mall this Sunday. Now, she’s sharing tips on how to keep your family safe. 
Monica Hargraves says she recalls the disturbing details her daughter says she experienced last Sunday at the mall when she got into what she thought was a livery cab. 
She says her 20-year-old daughter was able to get out of the man’s car and run. 
Police say they arrested Christopher Richards and charged him with forcible touching, sexual abuse and harassment. 
Bay Plaza Mall tells News 12 safety is their top priority and they are reviewing the incident. 
The NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission says Richards is not their driver.  
What can you do to keep yourself and your family safe?
According to TLC: 
- For-hire vehicles only provide prearranged service reserved through a base or smartphone app.
- Vehicles can be identified by for-hire vehicle license plates, which typically begin with the letter "T" and end with the letter "C."
- They must also show a TLC vehicle inspection decal in the lower passenger side of the front windshield.
Richards was released and is expected back in court on June 21.