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Robbery Suspect Caught On Video Threatening Livery Cab Driver With Knife Has Been Charged
By
Jake Offenhartz
Published Oct 3, 2017
Modified Oct 3, 2017
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By
Jake Offenhartz
Published Oct 3, 2017
Modified Oct 3, 2017
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A Westchester man has been has been arrested and charged in connection with an alleged robbery spree that targeted livery cab drivers in the Bronx, Mount Vernon, and Yonkers, police confirmed.
Allanmon Mavumkal, a 30-year-old Mount Vernon resident, allegedly held up at least 10 different livery cab drivers at knife-point, taking their cash, personal items, and in some cases their cabs, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York.
Mavumkal surrendered to authorities on Sunday night—less than a week after the NYPD circulated surveillance footage of the alleged suspect threatening a Bronx driver with a knife, then stealing his cab. He was charged Monday in a Manhattan court with one count of Hobbs Act robbery, a federal charge carrying a max sentence of 20 years in prison.
That incident captured on video follows a pattern of approximately 10 livery cab robberies that occurred over a two week span in September, according to allegations in a complaint unsealed in court on Monday. One of the other Bronx incidents also involved Mavumkal allegedly putting a livery cab driver in a chokehold and threatening him with a firearm.
"The perpetrator hails a livery cab, the perpetrator tells the driver to drive to a specific location, and then, once the cab is near the location, the perpetrator displays a large knife and demands that the driver exit the cab. The perpetrator then takes the cab and other property and drives away," the complaint reads.
ATF Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan M. Benedict said, "Mavumkal is alleged to have engaged in a pattern of armed robberies and carjackings of taxi drivers, extending from the Bronx to Mount Vernon and Yonkers... he allegedly repeatedly preyed on hard working New Yorkers trying to do nothing more than to earn an honest living. Today’s charges send a clear message that we and our law enforcement partners stand at the ready to bring violent offenders to justice."
The investigation into the crime spree is ongoing, and NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill said, "The NYPD will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect communities and ensure that this individual is held accountable for his actions."
Anyone who believes he or she is a victim and who wishes to provide information to law enforcement and/or receive future notices about developments in the case should call 866-874-8900 or send an email to [email protected].
Tagged
bronx
livery cab
mount vernon
nypd
robbery
u.s. attorney
yonkers
Jake Offenhartz
Jake Offenhartz is a former Gothamist reporter.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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