Brooklyn Livery Driver Grazed by Bullet in Dispute with Passenger, $5,000 Reward Offered as NYPD Searches for Suspect

A livery driver was grazed by a bullet during a heated altercation with a passenger in Brooklyn. The incident occurred at approximately 1:40 a.m. today at the intersection of East 101 Street and Flatlands Avenue in the Canarsie neighborhood, according to reports by ABC 7 New York.

The driver, identified as 54-year-old Prince Ezenekwe, had a dispute with the passenger, who shortly after exited the vehicle. It was then that Ezenekwe heard a gunshot and realized he had been injured, having to drive himself to Brookdale University Hospital where he was treated for a graze wound to the face. As per ABC 7 New York, he is in stable condition. The searching for the shooter continues, as the individual fled on foot, and no arrests have yet been made.

In a statement obtained by NBC New York, a spokesperson for the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers (NYSFTD) stated, “Prince is a Miracle Driver, this is not just a wake-up call—it’s a demand for justice. Our drivers risk their lives every night, and today, Prince nearly paid with his life." The federation also announced a $5,000 reward for information that could lead to the capture and conviction of the shooter. NBC New York also reported that the NYSFTD is seeking immediate action from Governor Kathy Hochul regarding what they consider to be "reckless bail reform laws" initiated by former Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Details regarding what may have led up to the disturbing dispute have not yet been disclosed, and the NYPD has yet to release a description of the alleged assailant. The federation's spokesperson emphasized the urgency, asserting that the individual responsible for shooting Prince should be incarcerated rather than remaining at large.