A Brooklyn taxi driver is lucky to be alive after being shot in the face by a passenger during a late-night ride, according to the New York Police Department (NYPD). The shocking incident has sparked outrage among taxi and livery driver advocates, who are demanding justice and stronger protections for drivers.
The attack occurred early Monday morning near East 101st Street and Flatlands Avenue in Brooklyn. Prince Ezenekwe, a 54-year-old driver for Bee Bee Car Service, picked up a passenger at around 1:30 a.m. Moments later, the rider asked Ezenekwe to turn around so he could retrieve a forgotten item. When Ezenekwe suggested that the passenger walk back instead, the situation quickly escalated.
“He started yelling, calling me all sorts of names that I won’t repeat … I didn’t pay him no mind until he says, ‘Don’t let me kill you here,’” Ezenekwe recounted at a press conference.
The passenger then stepped out of the car, pulled out a gun, and shot Ezenekwe in the face. The bullet narrowly missed a critical artery, grazing his face. The suspect fled on foot, and police have not yet provided further details.
Ezenekwe, a husband and father of five from Nigeria, was visibly shaken. “I am not supposed to be alive,” he said.
Advocates say this attempted murder is part of a growing pattern of violent attacks against taxi and livery drivers, who put their lives at risk daily to provide for their families. Steven Rivera, president of the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers (NYSFTD), made it clear: “Enough is enough. No taxi or livery driver should be hunted down like prey while simply doing their job.”
The NYSFTD is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s capture and conviction. If you have any details, authorities urge you to come forward.
