Introduction to the Incident
A man stole a yellow cab in Kips Bay on Thursday night, taking it on a joyride and colliding with a cyclist in a hit-and-run before abandoning the vehicle, authorities said.
Photo by Dean Moses
Details of the Theft and Accident
According to police sources, a taxi driver left his vehicle running while unattended on 33rd Street and 1st Avenue at around 9:15 p.m. on Aug. 21 when a man entered the vehicle and drove away. Minutes later, on 33rd Street and 2nd Avenue, the commandeered cab collided with a 27-year-old cyclist before zooming away.
Condition of the Cyclist
The bike rider, who was on the way to make a food delivery, was knocked to the ground, causing minor injuries. EMS and officers from the 17th precinct responded, but the victim refused medical attention.
The bike rider, who was on the way to make a food delivery, was knocked to the ground, causing minor injuries. EMS and officers from the 17th precinct responded but the victim refused medical attention.
Photo by Dean Moses
Eyewitness Account
Local Beth Friedman told amNewYork that she was eating at a nearby restaurant when she saw the taxi speed by.
“Like it flew, it was nuts. We just heard kind of a bang noise,” Friedman recalled. “The one gentleman was on a bike, I think he was probably a delivery driver. He seemed okay. He was walking.”
Friedman added that she has lived in the area for years but had not seen a car travel at that rate of speed.
“I’m in this area a lot but I’ve never seen a car, let alone a taxi going that fast by me, it was crazy,” she added.
Investigation and Search for the Suspect
Police say they later recovered the vehicle abandoned on 35th Street and Park Avenue. Cops searched the vehicle but only recovered paperwork, sources stated. Emergency Service Units used canines in hopes of tracking the suspect but lost him his scent at a nearby bus stop where law enforcement surmised he may have boarded a bus.
Emergency Service Units used canines in hopes of tracking the suspect.
Photo by Dean Moses
Police search for the suspect.
Photo by Dean Moses
Current Status of the Case
No arrests have been made and the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
Conclusion
The incident of a stolen yellow cab being involved in a hit-and-run with a cyclist in Manhattan highlights the need for vigilance and swift action by authorities to apprehend suspects and ensure public safety. As the investigation continues, it is crucial for anyone with information to come forward to assist in bringing the perpetrator to justice.
FAQs
- Q: What happened in Kips Bay on Thursday night?
A: A man stole a yellow cab and took it on a joyride, colliding with a cyclist in a hit-and-run before abandoning the vehicle. - Q: What were the circumstances of the theft?
A: The taxi driver had left the vehicle running while unattended on 33rd Street and 1st Avenue. - Q: What was the condition of the cyclist after the accident?
A: The cyclist suffered minor injuries but refused medical attention. - Q: Is the suspect in custody?
A: No, the suspect is still at large, and the investigation is ongoing. - Q: How can one provide information about the incident?
A: One can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS or submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org.
