The primary person wanted in the Queens confrontation that led to a cab driver's death is in custody, as is another suspect, two senior law enforcement officials said Thursday, but police are sharing video of a number of others they want to bring in as well.
The victim, Kutin Gyimah, was dropping off five passengers near Arverne Project and Beach 54 Street in the Rockaways just before 6:30 a.m. Saturday, when the passengers tried to skip out on the fare, authorities said.
Gyimah chased them down, which is when police said the group ganged up and attacked him, causing him to fall and hit his head on cement. The 52-year-old was taken to St. John's Hospital, where he later died.
There are five suspects in all, and police identified Austin Amos as one of the 20-year-olds being sought. Amos, who has six priors, surrendered at the precinct Thursday, his mother alongside him, according to the senior law enforcement officials. He was expected to be arraigned on charges including manslaughter, gang assault, assault and theft of services.
Another 20-year-old, Nickolas Porter, and a 15-year-old girl were arrested later and charged with gang assault and theft of services.
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Two other people, a 15-year-old girl known to the NYPD and a 13-year-old girl, are still being sought in connection with the attack, the senior law enforcement officials said.
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The group was Gyimah's first fare of the day, and his family said that driving a cab was the joy of his life. His number one goal when working, however: Getting home to his wife and four children.
At a press conference Thursday, Gyimah's widow was pleased to hear about the arrests, but still was looking for justice to be served for her husband.
"My husband was a good man...He was everything we had, he was my children’s hero," Abigail Barwuah said through tears. "I am happy that these guys have been identified."
She also had a message to the girls who were still out there.
"I’m telling them to turn them elves in because you’re going to be caught," Barwuah said. "Even if they are not caught by man, God is going to bring them in."
A $15,000 reward has been offered for information leading to arrests. Call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS with info.
