Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Union Square Cab Hijacker Had Been Arrested 15 Times
By
Jaya Saxena
Published Feb 28, 2011
Modified Feb 28, 2011
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 .
Gothamist
View all 4
By
Jaya Saxena
Published Feb 28, 2011
Modified Feb 28, 2011
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
Updated with new pictures: The driver responsible for hijacking a cab and crashing into a utility pole on Union Square West early Sunday morning has reportedly been arrested 15 times in New York City since 2007, when he moved from Pasadena, CA. Michael Findley, 31, was charged with robbery, reckless endangerment, driving while impaired by alcohol, grand larceny, disobeying a red light, driving the wrong way on a one-way street and speeding for his escapades, which landed him in Bellevue Hospital with minor injuries. And apparently it all started over fried rice.
Driver Mohammed Latif picked up Findley on the Bowery, and began driving him to the West Village, However, Findley was reportedly "sloppy" drunk, spilling fried rice all over the cab and telling his friend over his cell phone that he had no cash. Latif began arguing with Findley, and soon pulled over on East Houston and Lafayette Street and told him to get out. Findley then went around to the driver's side and punched Latif, shoved him into the shotgun seat and began driving.
Latif said, "He was driving in zigzags. I was scared. I tried to cool him down. I told him I'd take him wherever he wanted to go." He jumped out of the cab as they were stopped near Mercer Street. A cop then reportedly saw Findley turn the wrong way up Mercer Street, turned on his lights and followed him until he crashed into the light pole. Findley's other arrests include everything from trespassing at the Plaza Hotel to burglary.
About ten minutes after Findley's crash, a 28-year-old man on the other side of Union Square was struck by driver who fled the scene. He is currently in critical condition.
Tagged
cab crash
gallery
hijack
michael findley
union square
Jaya Saxena
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Forest Hills Stadium can keep its concerts under deal with neighbors
Neighbors had complained of traffic and loud concerts for years.
By
Ryan Kost
Published Oct 22, 2026 at 2:49 p.m. ET
NYC Council to grill Mamdani officials on collapsed Hunts Point Produce Market deal
Council Speaker Julie Menin called the $650 million plan "mission critical."
By
Elizabeth Kim
News
NYC Council to grill Mamdani officials on collapsed Hunts Point Produce Market deal
Council Speaker Julie Menin called the $650 million plan "mission critical."
By
Elizabeth Kim
NYPD arrests 17-year-old in fatal Midtown subway platform shooting
By
Charles Lane
Ex-Adams aide accused of pocketing kickbacks from community program funds
By
Samantha Max
MTA to begin 6-year project to upgrade signal tech on A and C lines in Brooklyn and Queens
By
Ramsey Khalifeh
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 .