NYPD seeks suspects in East Village carjacking of rideshare driver after refused ride request

Carjackers Rip Off Ride Share Driver - Steal His Ride

By Staff Reporter

Manhattan Voice

March 31, 2026

NEW YORK, NY - Cops are looking for a gang of four hoody-wearing carjackers who ripped off a ride share driver of his car in the East Village. 

According to police, the incident happened around 1:30 a.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026, in front of 50 Second Avenue, within the confines of the 9th Precinct. The victim, a 51-year-old rideshare driver, was sitting inside his vehicle when he was approached by a group of four men.

Authorities say the group initially asked the driver to take them to a specific location. When the driver refused the ride request, the situation escalated quickly.

One of the suspects allegedly displayed a firearm, and the group forcibly removed the driver from his vehicle. The suspects then fled the scene in the stolen car, leaving the victim shaken but unharmed.

No injuries were reported in the incident, but the nature of the crime has raised concerns about rideshare driver safety in New York City during overnight hours.

Police later recovered the stolen vehicle in Newark, New Jersey. However, the four suspects remain at large, and their whereabouts are currently unknown.

Investigators have released images of the individuals believed to be involved and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

The NYPD provided the following descriptions of the four individuals connected to the East Village robbery and carjacking of rideshare driver. Three of the suspects are described as males last seen wearing black sweatshirts, dark-colored pants, and black sneakers. 

The fourth suspect is described as a male wearing a light-colored sweatshirt, a black jacket, and carrying a backpack.

Police have not yet released additional identifying details.

This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns for rideshare drivers in New York City, especially those working late-night shifts in busy neighborhoods like the East Village.

Cases involving passengers turning aggressive after being denied service are rare but not unheard of, and this latest carjacking underscores the unpredictable risks drivers may face.

The NYPD is actively investigating and asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the four men involved in the March 23 carjacking.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, on X @NYPDTips. 

All calls are confidential.