Taxi driver robbed and shot on Thanksgiving day

Louisiana, USA — On Thursday, Nov. 28, an unidentified suspect shot a local taxi driver and fled with the victim’s taxi, Lake Charles Police reported.

According to the police, the victim had received a call to pick up a fare near Brentwood Street. The cabbie arrived at the location and the suspect entered his vehicle. However, things turned for the worst when the suspect shot the taxi driver once in the face. He then took control of the vehicle when the victim exited the cab.

Two days after the incident, police spotted the stolen vehicle heading eastbound on I-210 in Lake Charles. When they tried to stop the vehicle, the suspect fled. Authorities gave pursuit and tracked the stolen vehicle to the intersection of Illinois and West Walton streets.

Authorities eventually arrested 33-years-old Courlyn Pete. The suspect is now facing multiple charges including illegal possession of stolen property, flight from an officer, and attempted first-degree murder.

Moreover, on December 2, detectives completed a new warrant on the charges of attempted first-degree murder, carjacking and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Pete’s bond reportedly set at $1.75 million. He is currently housed at the Calcasieu Parish Correctional Facility.

Meanwhile, a local hospital treated the taxi driver for non-life threatening injuries.