Kutin Gyimah, Taxi Driver, Killed in Queens
Immigrant taxi driver Kutin Gyimah, 52, was attacked and killed early Saturday morning on August 13th when his passengers attempted to rob him.
After completing their ride, five passengers, three men and two women, attempted to rob the cabbie. Gyimah was able to grab one of the thieves as they all tried to run away but were then attacked and assaulted by the other members of the group. He was thrown to the ground by the suspects on Beach 54th Street and Arverne Boulevard in the Rockaways. According to police, he died after a fatal blow to his head on the street.
Fernando Mateo, a spokesman for the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers, met with Abigail Gyimah, the victim’s wife, and their four children, ages three, five, seven, and eight, on Saturday.
Mateo said, “Her husband left for work at 5 a.m., as he did every day. And he’ll never return.” He continued, “This man picked them up and drove them to their destination. Why murder the man?”
Mateo stated that NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell assured him that the suspects would be apprehended.
After checking in with Gyimah’s wife and family, Mateo told The New York Post, “They’re absolutely devastated. “She’s speechless — crying and wailing.” He said, “She breaks down every time she looks at the pictures on the wall.”
On Saturday night, an online fundraiser for the family had raised nearly $18,000 for the family.
Still on Kutin Gyimah’s Death…
Gyimah, who was originally from Ghana, was described as a “really, really sweet guy” by the operations manager of Big Apple Taxi Fleet Spyros Drakos. The company has stated that they will pay for the funeral expenses for Gyimah, who leased his cab from them.
Drakos wrote, “He was one of our cab drivers who worked honestly and tirelessly to support his family. Throughout the worst days of the pandemic, he was one of the few who continued to drive a cab to support our city and its citizens.”
Police suspect the assailants attempted to dodge the cab fare as part of their robbery when Gyimah went after them.
A City Hall spokesperson issued the following statement:
NYPD is investigating the fatal assault on a yellow cab driver this morning in Arverne, Queens. This tragedy is not only devastating but also unacceptable. Violence will not be tolerated in our city, which is why we work tirelessly to remove violent criminals from the streets. During this challenging time, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family, friends, and coworkers, and we will work tirelessly to bring all those responsible to justice.
The New York State Fire Department is offering a $15,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the three men and two women wanted in connection with the robbery and fatal attack.
