EAST MEADOW, N.Y. (1010 WINS) — Police arrested a man behind tire shop after he allegedly attacked and robbed a Long Island taxi driver early Thursday.
According to detectives, at 3:15 a.m., a 72-year-old man working as a driver for Hub Taxi when he was dispatched to pick a customer at Nassau County Medical Center in East Meadow.
When James Ely, 23, of Baldwin, entered the victim’s vehicle he was informed how much the fare would be and that it was required prior to the transport, he became irate.
The driver exited the vehicle and was followed by Ely who then poured an unknown liquid on him, punched him in the head and chest and took his cell phone from him, officials said.
Nassau County officers were called to the scene and located the Ely who was hiding behind Mavis Discount Tires, located at 2250 Hempstead Turnpike.
He was placed under arrest without further incident.
Ely was charged with robbery and will be arraigned on Thursday.