Taxi Driver Shot, Killed in Newport with Passenger in Backseat

Driver shot dead in apparent attempted robbery, passenger unharmed 

A taxi cab driver was shot and killed during an attempted robbery as a female passenger sat in the backseat overnight, Newport police said.

Someone approached a parked taxi near East 10th Street and Washington Avenue and shot through the driver's side window about 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to police.

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The driver tried to escape after getting shot, but he crashed near East 10th Street and Washington Avenue.

He was taken to UC Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, according to police.


The passenger was unhurt.

It appears just one gunshot was fired during the offense, which hit the victim in the chest, police said.

Officers were unable to interview the victim before he died, but they hope to interview the passenger Wednesday as they continue to investigate. According to media reports, she knew the driver, and could be a key witness in helping to solve this crime.

Police were on the scene for over five hours trying to track the suspect with canine units.

The taxi cab after crashing a block down on Washington Avenue in Newport's East Side. Photo: WCPO. 

PHOTO: The intersection of 10th St. and Washington Avenue in Newport. Google.