Taxi-Driving Father of 4 Killed After Chasing Fare Dodgers
The family of the yellow cab driver found dead after a fatal blow to the head were flanked by cabbies Sunday morning as taxi union leaders pleaded for someone to come forward with information that would lead to an arrest in the tragic case.
More than 24 hours after the Bronx father of four stopped his taxi mini-van for the last time Saturday morning, detectives were still searching for the five people witnesses saw leaving the driver unconscious on the ground.
Law enforcement sources said investigators have reviewed surveillance video showing the cab stop in Queens just before 6:30 a.m., near Beach 54 Street and Arverne Boulevard, where 52-year-old Kutin Gyimah fought with the group over their ride fare.
That same video shows Gyimah chase after the 5 passengers, grabbing one in an attempt to stop the group from running off. Police said the pack began beating on the driver; one of them delivering the blow to the head that would send him to the ground, unable to get back up.
Stay informed about local news and weather. Get the NBC 4 New York app for iOS or Android and pick your alerts.
First responders found the man lying on the ground. He was transported to St. John’s Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Gyimah was still in the first couple hours of his work day Saturday when he was killed, taxi union head Fernando Mateo said at a press conference Sunday morning. In addition to a $15,000 reward offering for information leading to an arrest and conviction, the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers said all funeral expenses for the 52-year-old would be covered.
