Cab Drivers Relieved To Learn Of Arrest In Shooting

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Bari Niaz owns Checker Cab. He said everyone is relieved to hear that 20-year-old Samuel Taylor is under arrest and facing charges for shooting 56-year-old William Harper last week.

"We are really happy and we appreciate the hard work of the city of Minneapolis, and the police," Niaz said.

Niaz has cameras in all of his cabs.

"Cameras are very important, and we are very happy to have them," he said.

Ali Warfa has been driving a cab for five years. He knows it's a dangerous job.

"We are so happy that the guy has been caught. It makes the situation a little bit safer," Warfa said.

NewsRadio 830 WCCO's Susie Jones Reports

Harper was shot in the back and died from his injuries.

Minneapolis City Council Member Gary Schiff wants to beef up security requirements for taxis in Minneapolis.

"OSHA declares driving a cab the most dangerous occupation. You are 20 to 30 times more likely to be killed as a taxi driver on the job. That's more than a police officer," Schiff said.

Schiff would like to see cameras or protective shields in all cabs.

"I'm very concerned about the 11 homicides that have taken place of cab drivers since 1990. The price of technology has gone down, and there's no reason that we can't require all cabs to have a camera or shield," he said.

Taylor's criminal history includes a conviction for first-degree aggravated assault. Taylor is currently being held at the Hennepin County Jail; he has been charged with second-degree murder,according to Minneapolis police.

Gary Schiff Talks About Cameras In Cabs