NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Police are searching for a gunman after a livery driver was shot in the cheek by a passenger during a dispute in Brooklyn early Monday morning.
It happened at around 1:40 a.m. on East 101st Street and Flatlands Avenue in Canarsie.
According to officials, the 54-year-old driver got into a dispute with a passenger when he heard a gunshot and realized he had been shot in the face.
The victim drove himself to Brookdale University Hospital in stable condition.
The passenger fled on foot in an unknown direction.
There have been no arrests made.
The New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers said it was offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the shooter.
The group said the cabbie is Prince Ezenekwe, a father of five from Nigeria who works to provide for his wife and kids.
NYSFTD said the bullet missed a critical artery by less than an inch and could’ve killed him.
“Prince is a Miracle Driver, this is not just a wake-up call—it’s a demand for justice,” said Fernando Mateo, the spokesman for NYSFTD.
“Our drivers risk their lives every night, and today, Prince nearly paid with his life,” Mateo said.