Senior Suspect Shoots Taxi Driver Over Fare Dispute

A 76-year-old man faces serious charges after allegedly shooting a taxi driver during a dispute over a fare. Court documents state that Joseph Meeks threatened the driver with “I am gonna kill you” before firing his gun.

The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Monday on Nelson Avenue near West 169th Street in the Bronx. Meeks, upset that he owed $40 for a ride from Harlem, became enraged and threatened the driver, Alusine Barrie, aged 27. The court documents reveal that the suspect then pulled out a firearm and shot Barrie in the stomach.

The victim was taken to the hospital, where he required a breathing tube. Barrie recounted that he was unaware his passenger was armed until he was shot. He described how Meeks exited the vehicle, closed the door, positioned himself, and then fired. Barrie fell onto the street, with images showing him lying on his back as first responders attended to him, and later calling his mother for help.

The victim’s mother arrived at the scene quickly and found Barrie on the ground, pleading and apologizing for his actions. She described him as on the ground, crying for her help. Barrie was able to send her photos of the suspect standing over him before he was transported to medical care.

Meeks was arrested approximately three and a half hours later at his home. Authorities found a loaded .25 caliber pistol with five rounds in the magazine in plain sight in his residence. The suspect has prior arrests, including recent charges for menacing and illegal firearm possession, and a car break-in.

He was arraigned on multiple charges including attempted murder, assault, weapon possession, and harassment. During the hearing, he was ordered held on $25,000 cash bail or $75,000 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for Friday.