Senior Citizen Shoots Taxi Driver Over $40 Fare in the Bronx

An elderly man with a criminal record opened fire on a taxi driver following an argument over a fare, then returned to his retirement home while the injured driver lay on the street. The incident occurred outside a senior living facility near West 169th Street in Highbridge.

Alusine Barrie, a 27-year-old taxi driver and recent licensee, was shot in the stomach by Joseph Meeks, 76, during a dispute over a $40 fare. The altercation took place around 4:30 p.m. on Monday, just outside Meeks’s residence. Photos show Barrie collapsing in the street after being shot, while rescuers attended to him.

According to Barrie, the gunshot happened after Meeks stepped out of his residence, closed his door, and then fired. Barrie, who was still in the driver’s seat, attempted to drive away but was shot again as Meeks turned around. Barrie described the suspect as possibly intoxicated during the incident.

After being shot, Barrie called his mother, who hastened to his side. She recounted his distress and remorse, saying Barrie was pleading and tearful, saying, “Please don’t let me die.” Barrie was taken to Lincoln Hospital, where he was reported to be in stable condition but still requires assistance to breathe.

The dispute started when Meeks, who lives at the same senior facility, allegedly couldn’t pay the fare in cash and tried to use multiple credit cards, which were rejected. Witnesses note that Meeks had prior arrests, including weapons charges and theft, and was recently involved in a threatening incident with a gun.

Meeks was arrested at his home about three and a half hours later and faces attempted murder charges. His past includes charges for menacing, weapon possession, and petty larceny.

Hundreds of family members, including Barrie’s wife and child in Africa, rely on him for support, and colleagues highlighted his good work ethic. Authorities and community leaders condemned the violence, emphasizing the need for better crime prevention and victim protection.