Search for Masked Gunman Following Brooklyn Taxi Shooting

New York City police are on the lookout for a masked gunman who allegedly shot a 21-year-old taxi driver in the face during an armed robbery in Brooklyn early Saturday morning.

The incident occurred around 4 a.m. when the suspect approached a TLC-licensed livery taxi—commonly used for pre-arranged rides rather than hailed off the street. According to a statement from the NYPD, the assailant entered the taxi, threatened the driver, and demanded money along with the vehicle’s keys.

As the driver attempted to escape the situation by getting out of the car, the suspect opened fire, injuring him in the face. The police noted, “As the victim tried to get out of the car, an unidentified person fired a gun, striking the 21-year-old male victim in the face.”

After the shooting, the suspect fled on foot, taking with him an undisclosed amount of cash. Interestingly, authorities later indicated that nothing else was removed from the vehicle.

Emergency medical services arrived shortly after receiving the report at around 4:15 a.m., and the victim was transported to a local hospital where he is reportedly in stable condition.

Hoping to nab the suspect, law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information to reach out. The assailant was last seen wearing blue shorts, a black sweatshirt, a mask, black shoes, and was carrying a black backpack.

For those who might have seen something, you can contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or, if you speak Spanish, at 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted through the NYPD Crime Stoppers website or on social media at @NYPDTips.