Cab driver shot in W. Phila. over ride

A Philadelphia cab driver was shot several times early Sunday morning after reportedly refusing to give a man a ride.

According to a dispatcher at Philadelphia Taxi Cab, the 56-year-old driver was sent to pick up a passenger on the 800 block of Brooklyn Street on Saturday night before calling in to cancel the assignment.

Around 2 a.m., the dispatcher received a call that the driver had been shot. Police said the victim - whom they did not identify - was shot several times during the confrontation, and was lying on the ground next to the still-running cab when they arrived.

The victim was taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and was listed in critical condition, police said.

Police did not have details about a suspect.

The dispatcher, who did not want to release his name, said Sunday that the taxi company was being extra cautious in light of the shooting.

"We're being careful where we send people," he said.

@RobTornoe

Staff writer Chris Palmer contributed to this article.