Brooklyn livery driver shot in face during alleged robbery; VIDEO

Criminal incidents in New York

A livery driver in Brooklyn was grazed by a bullet early Monday morning after a passenger allegedly attempted to rob him, PIX 11 New York informs.

Prince Ezenekwe, 54, was driving on East 101 Street near Flatlands Avenue in Canarsie around 1:40 a.m. when the passenger reportedly demanded he turn around and return to the pickup location, claiming he had forgotten something. According to Ezenekwe, the passenger was wearing a ski mask and then announced his intention to rob and kill the driver, pointing a gun at his head.

Ezenekwe reacted by accelerating. He heard a gunshot and realized he had been shot in the face. Despite his injury, he managed to drive himself to Brookdale University Hospital.

He is now in stable condition. Advocates say the bullet narrowly missed a critical artery.

The suspect fled on foot, and no arrests have been made. The New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers, which identifies Ezenekwe as being originally from Nigeria, is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the shooter.

The Federation is also urging Governor Kathy Hochul to address bail reform laws and is advocating for legislation to ban the wearing of face masks. They emphasize that those who assault TLC drivers face up to 25 years in prison.

Ezenekwe, a 25-year resident of New York City, is now reconsidering his career as a taxi driver and is contemplating leaving the city.


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