Teens sought for using pepper spray in taxi and livery cab robberies

A surge in street robberies targeting taxi and livery drivers has emerged in New York City, involving a group of teenage criminals wielding pepper spray. Since January 21, police report that this cohort has committed at least 20 robberies across the five boroughs. The alarming trend has drawn attention from taxi industry advocates, who are calling for stronger legal repercussions against the offenders.

At least one member of the robbery crew has been arrested but was subsequently released from court without bail. This outcome has frustrated advocates such as those from the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers, who argue that the legal system must take a firmer stance on juvenile crime. As Fernando Mateo, a spokesman for the Federation, noted, the lack of bail for youthful offenders only encourages their criminal activities.

Typically, these robberies involve one or more suspects hailing a ride and claiming they need to pick up a friend. After entering the vehicle, they exploit this moment of distraction to pepper spray the driver and steal cash, cell phones, and personal belongings. The incidents have predominantly occurred in areas such as Midtown, Harlem, and Queens. A particularly violent episode unfolded between April 25 and May 4, when the crew executed seven attacks in just three days.

Livery driver Juan Grullon, a victim of this crime wave, described the harrowing experience of being assaulted with pepper spray shortly before he was robbed. He recounted how the assailants switched their intended drop-off point, leading to a disorienting confrontation. Grullon, who suffers from asthma, found it increasingly difficult to breathe as he was attacked with the spray, leading to significant distress.

The robbers not only made off with Grullon’s belongings but also used his credit cards for casual purchases shortly thereafter. This incident underscores a broader sense of fear among taxi drivers, who now question their safety while on the job. Many drivers, hesitant to report such crimes due to potential repercussions, may have fallen victim to similar attacks without alerting law enforcement.

Supporters advocate for legislative reforms that would hold juvenile offenders accountable for actions typically classified as adult crimes. The public has been encouraged to provide any information concerning the robbery crew to the NYPD Crime Stoppers, with assurances that all tips will be handled confidentially, indicating the city’s heightened focus on tackling this serious crime wave affecting its taxi industry.