Cab Driver Shot To Death During Apparent Robbery In Rahway, NJ
RAHWAY, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Police are searching for a suspect who shot and killed a cab driver during an apparent robbery in Rahway.
The driver, identified as 57-year-old Imad Alasmar of Edison, was found slumped over in his cab after hitting a parked car just after 11 p.m. Tuesday on Bedford Street, authorities said.
His manager, Jim May, said it appears the gunman called Station Cab, requesting a taxi on Bedford Street.
"The passenger requested service to Washington Street in Rahway, which is a short $7 ride," he said.
May said the passenger may have been trying to rob Alasmar. He said there was a struggle that ended with Alasmar shot in the head, the gunshot causing him to lose control of his cab, crashing into a parked car.
"He started his shift at 7, he would have had $60, $80 cash, probably less than $100 in his possession at that time," May said.
Cab Driver Shot To Death During Apparent Robbery In Rahway, NJ
A man and woman inside the parked car were also hurt, authorities said.
Imad Alasmar, his father's oldest son and namesake, said his dad was fighting the gunman to keep his hard-earned cash for his large family -- a struggle that cost him his life.
"My dad has 10 kids to feed. He's not going to give up money that easy," he told CBS2's Janelle Burrell. "He refused to give up the money and the gun shot in his head."
Alasmar's family said the Jordanian immigrant had been a cab driver for decades. His family said he knew the danger, having been attacked before, but did it to provide for his kids.
"He got stabbed and smacked in his face," his son said. "He knew it was a risky job."
"Something happens to you like this for no reason, just for a couple of bucks," the victim's brother Ziad Alasmar said. "It's very sad."
May said the company has been in operation since 1926 and said this was the first fatality they've had.
Alasmar's bosses said police are looking into whether a suspect in a nearby gas station robbery in recent weeks could be linked to the shooting, 1010 WINS' Glenn Schuck reported.
A $10,000 award is being offered for information leading to an arrest and indictment in the case.
Anyone with information is asked to call Homicide Task Force Detective Janet Lopez at 908-347-8491 or Sgt. Kevin Grimmer at 908-447-3777.
Tips can also be given anonymously at 908-654-TIPS (8477), via text message by texting "UCTIP" plus a message to 274637 (CRIMES) or online at www.uctip.org.
