Suspect photo released after cab driver robbed, slashed in Queen Village

QUEEN VILLAGE (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police have released a photo of the man they believe attacked a cab driver with a knife in Queen Village.

The driver was slashed and robbed of his cash by someone who pretended he wanted a ride.

The cab driver, Jaswant Mann of Somerton, tells us, "He put a knife on my neck. So I got a hold of the knife and we started struggling with each other."

The cab driver was very lucky since he was able to fend off the attacker - only receiving slashes to his hand. He was then able to drive himself to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital for treatment.

Mann explains that he picked up the fare at 4th and South streets just before 1 a.m. Thursday. When the suspect got in, the threats began.

Mann says, "When I got to 4th and Catharine he attacked with the knife. He said, 'I have a gun I can shoot you, so give me money.'"

A fight ensued and the driver says he couldn't get to his phone to call 911. The suspect cut the driver with a knife, initially telling him he had a gun too.

The driver gave up the cash he earned on the shift and the suspect ran.

Chief Inspector Scott Small says, "He had a knife put to his throat, and that's when the suspect announced the robbery. For some reason the cab driver and our perpetrator got into a physical struggle over the knife, and that's when the cab driver was cut two times in his hand."

Next, the cabbie drove himself to the hospital. Outside of the hospital investigators centered their attention on the cab, since that's where the crime occurred. Later, they towed the vehicle to look for more evidence and scanned for surveillance video in the area of 4th and Catharine and 4th and South streets.

In addition to the surveillance photo released, police describe the suspect as a white male, 25 to 30 years old, 5'11" to 6' tall, wearing a navy blue hoody and gray sweat pants.

Anyone with information is urged to contact 215-686-TIPS.