Police are looking for three male suspects after two taxi drivers were robbed near Morningside Avenue and Sewells Road on Nov. 13.
The drivers, both from the Able Atlantic Cab Company, were picking up a passenger at about 8:30 p.m. when a man jumped in the back seat on the driver’s side of one of the cars.
The man pulled out a knife and demanded cash, which the driver handed over, police say.
Two other men approached the other taxi driver and searched his pockets. They took money and a pair of glasses before knocking him to the ground and fleeing the scene, police say.
One driver suffered minor injuries.
The K9 Unit was called in but couldn’t pick up the suspects’ trail.
Police describe the first suspect as male, 5-foot-10, about 170 pounds with a medium build. The second suspect is described as male, black, 5-foot-8, about 140 pounds with a thin build. The third suspect is described as male, black, 5-foot-8 and weighing about 170 pounds.
“(Taxi drivers) are definitely susceptible to robberies because they are dealing with the general public,” said Const. Tony Vella. “They’re working late at night and often have a lot of cash on them.”
There are many precautions taxi drivers can take when picking up a fare, especially late at night, Vella said.
“Try to keep a mental note of how the person looks because the police will ask you for their weight and height,” he said. “If you have strong suspicions, there’s nothing wrong with stopping when you see a police officer and saying, ‘I need your assistance.’ ”