Police search for suspect in taxi driver's death

Police have released a description of a man they believe shot and killed a cab driver Sunday night.

Investigators want more details on a black male, 17 to 18-years-old, who was wearing black clothing with a knit hat or do-rag on his head, according to a statement from Sgt. Rick Mincy, a Chattanooga Police Department spokesman.

The shooting happened around 9:45 p.m. near 1405 West 44th St., when a passenger pulled a gun on cab driver James Fleming Jr., 53, and demanded money, the statement read. When Mr. Fleming didn’t comply and tried to drive off, the passenger fired two shots into the cab and fled, according to police.

Before demanding money, the gunman ordered Mr. Fleming’s niece out the car and had her lie on the ground, police said. After the shooting, the cab driver’s vehicle crashed into a parked car and then a garage, the statement read.

Police found Mr. Fleming fatally wounded when they arrived, the statement read.

Police are asking anyone with information to call 643-5000.