The brutal, botched robbery of a middle-aged New York City livery cab driver was caught in black-and-white detail by the driver's security camera.
Driver Raphael Martinez was just starting his early morning shift in the Bronx on Sunday, when he picked up a fair who pulled a gun and demanded money, reports FoxNews.com.
Julian Martinez, the driver's brother, gave a statement to the New York Post describing the interaction between the two men: “My brother was saying, ‘Wait! I don’t understand you!’ and [the perp] just started shooting.’’
“[The gunman] didn’t give him time,’’ Julian Martinez also told the Post. “He just shot him. He hit him twice in the shoulder. Then, when my brother got out, he shot him on the ground in the stomach."
Raphael Martinez had only $8 at the time of the attempted stick-up. His attacker was described by police as a black male, possibly in his 20s and wearing a tan jacket and a dark hoodie with "Abercrombie" written on it, per Fox.
Despite his injuries, Martinez survived. He is currently recovering at Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx, reports ABC local affiliate WABC in New York.
The executive director of the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers took the opportunity to advocate for more protection for livery cab drivers.
"We have always been supporters of the Plexiglas. We have always felt that is the safest route to go. But the drivers like the cameras," Sergio Rodriguez told WABC outside the hospital.
Anyone who might recognize the person in the photo (above) is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).