Cab driver shot by passenger who couldn’t cover $40 fare

BRONX, NY – A cab driver remains hospitalized after a confrontation over a fare led to a shooting in the Bronx. Alusine Bari, 27, was shot following a dispute with a passenger, and although he is expected to recover, advocates fear future incidents may not end as fortunately.

The altercation occurred Monday afternoon when Bari, after picking up 76-year-old Joseph Meeks in Harlem, asked for payment upon reaching the destination near Nelson Avenue and West 169th Street. Meeks attempted to pay using four different credit cards, all of which failed. When asked to exit the vehicle and settle the fare, Meeks allegedly shot Bari in the abdomen.

Neighbors reported that Meeks returned to his apartment calmly after the incident, behaving as if nothing had happened. Law enforcement arrived at the scene shortly thereafter. Officers had to use a sledgehammer to gain entry into Meeks’ residence, where they took him into custody.

Bari, who has been driving a taxi for nine years to support his family in Guinea, pleaded with visitors at the hospital, “Please don’t let me die.” Taxi driver advocates are calling for swift action, urging that Meeks, who has a history of 60 prior arrests, not be released without bail.

Community members express concern over the potential danger posed by Meeks if released. “If he shot someone over $40, what might happen next?” one advocate questioned.

The district attorney’s office is currently handling the case, and Meeks is awaiting arraignment. The community hopes for a resolution that prioritizes the safety of drivers and the public.

This incident has reignited discussions about the risks faced by taxi drivers, with calls for increased protections and measures to prevent such violence.

As Bari recovers, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the daily challenges faced by those in the taxi industry, working tirelessly to support their families.