Location: Brooklyn, New York

A livery driver in Brooklyn is recovering from a serious injury after being shot in the face by a masked passenger during a late-night ride in Canarsie.

Incident Overview

The victim, identified as Prince Ezenekwe, is a 54-year-old Nigerian immigrant and father of five. The shooting occurred around 1:30 a.m. when he picked up a passenger who requested that he turn the vehicle around to retrieve an item left at the pickup location.

Argument Escalates into Violence

During the ride, Ezenekwe suggested that the passenger walk back to the initial pickup spot. This suggestion led to a heated argument. Ezenekwe recalled, “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.’”

Shooting Details

After exiting the vehicle, the passenger brandished a firearm and shot Ezenekwe at point-blank range. Fortunately, he was grazed by the bullet, narrowly escaping a potentially fatal injury to a critical artery.

Community Response and Safety Concerns

In the wake of this incident, advocates are drawing attention to the ongoing safety issues faced by taxi and livery drivers. The New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers has emphasized the urgent need for justice and improvements in safety protocols to protect drivers during their shifts. Fernando Mateo, spokesperson for the NYSFTD, commented on the necessity of implementing regulations such as prohibiting passengers from wearing masks while entering taxis.

Ongoing Investigation

The suspect fled the scene on foot, and law enforcement is currently engaged in a manhunt. Descriptions from Ezenekwe indicate that the shooter is a slim Black male, approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall, likely in his mid-20s. The NYSFTD has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the capture and prosecution of the shooter.

Conclusion and Call to Action

As this troubling incident unfolds, it’s clear that the safety of livery and taxi drivers remains a pressing concern. The community is called to action, highlighting that no driver should fear for their life while fulfilling their job. Ezenekwe notes the gravity of the matter, while STATEMENTS from advocates reaffirm that “enough is enough” regarding violence against drivers.

For further details and to support the ongoing investigation, individuals can visit NYSFTD.