Cabbie's Cell Cam Helps Nab L.I. Attack Suspects
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Nassau County Police are thanking a quick thinking cab driver who they said helped catch two men accused of a brutal beating and robbery on Long Island.
Christian Cruz of Lynbrook and Steven Wilhemsen of East Rockway were arrested and are accused in an attack on a 30-year-old man trying to catch a cab to get home at the Valley Stream Long Island Rail Road station Tuesday night, WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reports.
The victim was allegedly jumped, beaten and robbed of $40 by Wilhemsen and Cruz, 1010 WINS' Mona Rivera reported
Cab driver Jean Cadet recorded the pictures on his cell phone after the victim was set upon by the suspects. Dispatcher Kathryn Lahn called 911.
WARNING: Video contains disturbing images of violence and language
"I was afraid because you don't know what these kids are going to do nowadays," Lahn said.
Nassau County Police Sgt. Kenneth Catalini said the cabbie's reaction was "very timely" and that the video "helped seal this case."
CBS 2's Jennifer McLogan spoke with the manager of Valley Stream Taxi, Eric Morgenstern, who said it was a "good idea" for Cadet to "keep that cell phone video going."
"Anytime anyone sees anything, put that cell phone on – it saves lives," Morgenstern said.
The two suspects have pleaded not guilty. The victim remains in the hospital.
