Audio clip
Randy Van Hooser
As police investigate the slaying of Mercury Cab driver James Fleming Jr., area taxi service owners and drivers say awareness may be the only way to avoid dangerous situations.
Mr. Fleming, 53, was killed about 9:45 p.m. Sunday after dropping off a passenger at 1405 W. 44th St., Chattanooga Police Department spokesman Sgt. Rick Mincy stated in a news release. The passenger pulled out a pistol, demanded money and, when Mr. Fleming refused, fired two shots at the cab and fled the area. The cab then struck a parked car and came to rest after hitting a garage, according to police.
The cab driver’s niece was in the vehicle and was ordered onto the ground by the passenger, Sgt. Mincy said.
Police are searching for a 17- or 18-year-old black male with black clothing and a knit hat or do-rag on his head. Anyone with information is asked to call the police at 643-5000.
Sgt. Mincy said he would not “feel safe” driving a cab.
“You never know who you’re picking up,” he said.
Randy van Hooser, owner of All American Taxis, said drivers should trust their gut feelings. But he does not advocate placing dividers between drivers and passengers because doing so would create an unfriendly atmosphere, he said.
“If they feel like there’s any danger at all, my drivers know they can drive off ... and I’m not going to have any problem with them doing that,” Mr. van Hooser said.
He said he advises drivers to carry small amounts of cash, never put their vehicles in park, keep their doors locked until a passenger is ready to enter and make sure they see customers come from a house.
“The biggest thing is kind of judge the situation before you have anybody in your vehicle,” Mr. van Hooser said. “Once they’re in, you can’t do a whole lot about it.”
Isaac Shinbaum, a driver with East Ridge Cab Co., said drivers will not venture to certain neighborhoods known for violence and drug problems. Even so, he admits the potential for danger exists.
“When you’ve got somebody behind you that may or may not have a gun, you can be vulnerable,” Mr. Shinbaum said.
Mercury Cab owner George Fletcher could not be reached for comment Monday.
