Gunmen have shot four cab drivers in Detroit since Sept. 19. Two of the drivers have died.
The latest incident was Tuesday morning, as Jawan McQueen, 47, a father of four, died after exchanging gun shots with robbers.
McQueen, a Checker Cab driver, was killed just after 4 a.m. Tuesday at a Mobil gas station at Harper Avenue and Conner. News of his death spread quickly among cabbies throughout Metro Detroit, prompting many to complain that authorities don't do enough to ensure their safety on the streets.
Checker Cab driver Allen Powell told the Detroit News cabbies are ticketed or harassed by police if they let their vehicles stand on well-lit main streets.
"There will be no cab service at night if we don't feel safe, so something needs to be done," said Powell, who resorts to parking on darkened side streets out of fear of being cited.
Police officials said there are designated stands where cabbies are allowed to park, and traffic enforcement at those spots is the same as for any other vehicle.
"There's no difference in an illegal parking zone," Detroit Police Officer Phillip Cook said.
Some taxi drivers are arming themselves.
