Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
After Cab Driver Maims Tourist, Councilman Demands NYPD Attitude Adjustment
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Aug 21, 2013
Modified Aug 21, 2013
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Aug 21, 2013
Modified Aug 21, 2013
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The chair of the City Council's public safety committee expressed concern today at the NYPD's reluctance to criminally charge the cab driver who jumped a curb outside Rockefeller Center yesterday morning, striking a cyclist and severely injuring a pedestrian. "I'm sure that the incident is still being investigated, but from what I've read, this case seems like a prime candidate for criminal charges to be filed," Queens Councilmember Peter F. Vallone Jr. said.
The cab driver, 24-year-old Mohammed Himon, was issued an administrative summons for unauthorized operation of his vehicle, which carries a possible fine of $100 to $350. The owner of the vehicle was also issued two similar summonses.
The tourist Himon struck, 21-year-old Sian Green, had her left leg partially amputated, and her right leg badly mangled due to the crash. The cyclist and other eyewitnesses told reporters that Himon was speeding and driving aggressively before the crash. Himon's driving record also includes another accident in 2010 in which one person was injured, and several moving violations, including speeding and running a red light.
Steve Vaccaro, an attorney and safe streets advocate, says that the pedestrian-saturated location, the cab driver's reportedly high rate of speed, the distance the cab traveled on the sidewalk after it hopped the curb, and the testimony from eyewitnesses all make a strong case for criminal charges.
"There are a bunch of lesser charges that could be considered, but based on what's been reported, the DA should certainly be pressing charges here for 1st degree assault—that's a Class B felony."
Quoting from the statute, Vaccaro added, "The driver here seemed to 'evince a depraved indifference to human life,' and 'recklessly engaged in conduct which created a grave risk of death to another person.' "
City Council Speaker and current mayoral Candidate Christine Quinn, who represents the district where Green was severely injured, has not responded to a request for comment.
An NYPD spokesman said that the Collision Investigation Squad [CIS] is still investigating the incident, but no charges have been filed.
Paul Steely White, executive director of Transportation Alternatives, said in a statement that while the CIS investigation continues, Himon shouldn't be allowed to drive a cab.
"Given the fact that the driver was cited for unauthorized operation of his vehicle, along with his documented record of dangerous driving, I call on Commissioner Yassky to immediately revoke the drivers ability to operate a cab in New York City," White said.
In March, the NYPD announced it would train more officers and funnel more resources into the chronically underfunded and disturbingly undermanned Accident Investigation Squad, renaming it the Collision Investigation Squad. The day after that announcement, the City Council's Public Safety Committee met to discuss the changes, which included getting rid of the previous requirement by police to only investigate crashes in which a victim was dead or "likely to die."
"Things have changed since that hearing. This incident was investigated by CIS, which wouldn't have happened in the past," Vallone said. "But I think we do need a package of legislation which would make it easier to charge reckless drivers for criminal behavior. There are laws right now, they're just never used."
Vallone added, "I think we also need a change of attitude at all levels of the NYPD to understand that cars can be used as deadly instruments, and not every serious accident should be punished with a summons."
Tagged
cis
nypd
pedestrian safety
peter vallone
original
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Man shot on Midtown subway platform Saturday afternoon, NYPD says
Police responded to at the 53rd Street and 7th Avenue station in Manhattan.
By
Ryan Kost
Published Oct 17, 2026 at 1:16 p.m. ET
Modified Oct 17, 2026 at 1:29 p.m. ET
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
Suspects were driving a Subaru Forester, police said.
By
Ryan Kost
News
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
Suspects were driving a Subaru Forester, police said.
By
Ryan Kost
Being reigning champions is weird for Knicks fans, but we could get used to this.
By
Catalina Gonella
Tompkins Square Park is getting a makeover. Some say it's too much.
By
Willow Higgins
Deer are all over New Jersey roads looking for sex, state officials warn
By
Rosemary Misdary
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .