LIVERY CAB DRIVER CHARGED IN HIT AND RUN INJURY OF A PASSENGER FOLLOWING FARE DISPUTE IN INCIDENT WITNESSED BY TWO BRONX ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEYS

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that two Assistant District Attorneys assisted police in apprehending a livery cab driver, who allegedly fled the scene of an accident after a passenger was injured during the course of a fare dispute.

Mirza Munir, 29, of 1725 Taylor Avenue, the Bronx, has been charged with Assault in the 2nd and 3rd degrees, Reckless endangerment in the 1st degree, Criminal possession of a weapon in the 4th degree, Menacing, Leaving the scene of an incident without reporting, and Harassment in the 2nd degree.

Munir is facing a maximum sentence of up to 7 years imprisonment if convicted of the most serious charge of Assault in the 2nd degree, a Class D felony offense. Munir was released on his own recognizance by Criminal Court Judge John Moore.

The incident occurred on Friday, July 23, 2004 during a fare dispute with Elizabeth Morales near the intersection of Robinson and Harding Avenues in the Throggs Neck section of the Bronx. Morales, according to court papers, was standing with her left leg on the ground outside the cab with her right leg still inside the vehicle and her right arm through the open rear window of the cab. Munir allegedly drove away dragging Morales to the ground and failed to stop to render aid or to provide his identification, information regarding his insurance, driver’s license, or vehicle registration.

Bronx Assistant District Attorneys Yadhira Gonzalez-Taylor and Belinda Delgado witnessed the incident while riding in a vehicle that was behind the livery cab. Delgado was driving and followed the fleeing cab while Gonzalez-Taylor called 911 to report the incident. When traffic came to a stop at a red light, ADA Gonzalez-Taylor jumped out of the car and got into the cab. She pretended to be a passenger and asked to be taken to the 52nd precinct. ADA Delgado, meanwhile, continued to follow the cab and managed to flag down a passing NYPD patrol car. Munir was arrested when the Assistants told the officers what had occurred.

The victim, Elizabeth Morales, was taken to a hospital and treated for pain, soreness, swelling and bruising to her right arm, hip, leg, and rib area. She also sustained torn ligaments and muscles in her rib area, and bleeding from the muscle in her right forearm.