A New York City cab driver, Zulqarnain Alam, shared his terrifying experience of being attacked by a group of four men he picked up in Queens on New Year’s Day. The 20-year-old driver had hoped for an easy night of work but ended up facing a violent situation that left him injured and shaken.
The incident took place at around 4:30 a.m. on January 1st, shortly after Alam had picked up the passengers in Queens. He initially thought it would be a busy but simple night. However, things took a turn for the worse when one of the men in the back seat started acting aggressively.
Alam described how one passenger became hostile, trying to attack him from behind. “He was trying to jump over everyone in the car,” Alam recalled. As the situation escalated, Alam realized the man was attempting to attack him. The other three passengers restrained the aggressive man for a while, but things got worse when they reached a few blocks down the road.
“He was almost here, trying to punch me,” Alam said. Feeling threatened, he quickly pulled over and told the group to get out. However, Alam first had to exit the car to unlock the doors. “From the inside, it’s kind of hard to open it. I opened the door for them and backed off, but the guy came out and tried to attack me.”
Things quickly spiraled out of control as one of the men punched the window of Alam’s cab. Alam, now facing a direct threat, confronted the man. “I was like, ‘What’s wrong with you? Why are you punching my window?’” he explained. But before he could react, another man from the back of the car came up and punched Alam in the face. That’s when all four men attacked him.
Alam managed to break free from the attackers and run away, but not before suffering significant injuries. His nose was broken, and his tooth cracked. His knees were left bloody from the attack. The incident took place at the intersection of Junction Boulevard and 53rd Avenue in the Corona area of Queens.
As if the violent attack wasn’t enough, Alam faced further frustration when seeking medical help. Since it was New Year’s Eve, the area was crowded, and emergency services took longer to arrive. Alam waited for two hours for an ambulance, but eventually, he gave up and decided to drive himself to the hospital.
Despite providing police with the phone number of the passenger who had booked the ride, which could help identify the attackers, there have been no arrests so far. Alam expressed his fear, saying, “I’m actually very nervous. Just very nervous.”
The New York City Police Department continues to investigate the incident, but Alam’s case highlights the challenges faced by cab drivers, especially during busy times like New Year’s Eve. While the police have not yet made any arrests, Alam’s bravery in the face of such a violent attack is a reminder of the risks that come with working in certain jobs.
Alam’s story also brings attention to the importance of safety measures for both drivers and passengers, particularly during peak times. Cab drivers like Alam play a crucial role in keeping the city running, and incidents like these serve as a stark reminder of the dangers they face every day.
In the meantime, Alam remains shaken but determined to continue working. “I’m scared, but I have to do my job. I can’t stop,” he said
(Source : newsbreak.com)
