A Florida man was arrested on June 15, in connection with the destruction of a yellow taxi cab during the mayhem that followed the New York Knicks’ Game 4 win against the San Antonio Spurs – their first NBA title in 53 years. Saul Vargas, 21, was charged with criminal mischief after allegedly destroying the windshield and hood of a cab at the intersection of 36th Street and Seventh Avenue, just after midnight, officials reported.
Sources said Vargas was on his way back to Florida when he realized he was wanted and turned himself in at the 42nd Precinct in the Bronx.
Rapper French Montana, along with social media content creator Zachery Dereniowski and the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, have organized a donation to help the 59-year-old driver whose livelihood depends on having a drivable taxi. They had raised $75,000, as of late-June.
“This was a hardworking driver simply trying to make living, and I’m incredibly grateful he wasn’t seriously injured,” said TLC Commissioner Midori Valdivia. “There’s no excuse for the kind of behavior he was subjected to, and anyone with information related to those who committed this incident should reach out to the NYPD immediately. Our TLC drivers are some of the best ambassadors of New York City and should be respected as such.”
Police were still searching for two other assailants in the incident, as of mid-June.
Following the Knicks’ clinching the NBA title, more than 60 people were arrested and 10 officers were injured, officials reported. Five school buses that were being used to transport people to the FIFA World Cup were also torched and destroyed.
Source: PX 11
