OKC Police Investigate Murder Of Taxi Driver

Oklahoma City Police investigate the murder of a taxi cab driver.

Police have not released the name of the taxi cab driver found shot to death near N.E. 31st and Lottie, early Sunday, but that hasn't kept word of the murder from spreading throughout the taxi-cab community.

5/5/2014 Related Story: Police: Victim Found Shot To Death Inside Taxi In OKC

For several taxi cab drivers the murder has reinforced a belief that it's a dangerous job.

"[We] are easy prey, we are all over the place," Leroy Owens works for Nascab Taxi. He and the victim did not work for the same company but Owens explained all drivers tend to look out for each other because of the threat that comes with the job.

"We are expected to pull in there, unarmed, and open the door to a complete stranger which is a bit of insanity," said Owens.

Owens explained the danger level increases in certain parts of the city. Although, he considers the 1600 block of Bishop Bobby L. Williams Drive a high risk area, he said the cab driver who was killed there on Sunday probably had no choice but to take the call.

"You have to take all the business good or bad unless someone is really giving you a legitimate reason," said Owens.

Oklahoma City Police did not release information that explained what led to the shooting that killed the cab driver but it has Owens thinking about what he would do in a similar situation.

"Best you can do is use your good judgement and go with your gut instinct," Owens explain the law prohibits cab drivers from having a weapon in their car - even with a conceal carry permit because it's a form of public transportation. He said that leaves them vulnerable.

"Since we are not allowed to defend ourselves, my plan, is just to jump out of the car," Owens said he would give up the taxi to save his life if ever in a similar situation as the most recent victim.

It's unclear at this time which taxi cab company the victim worked for. Police are still working to notify the victim's family and find the gunman.

If you have any information call the homicide tipline 297-1200.