A quartet of passengers at Grand Central Station arranged to have a cab drive them home to Stamford early Sunday morning, and then ditched the driver before paying the fare, police said Monday.
According to authorities, officers patrolling in the area of S. Henry Street and Washington Boulevard spotted a yellow cab traveling behind a black 2006 Accura at a high rate of speed, with the cab flashing its lights in a manner that indicated to officers that the cab needed assistance, police said.
Officers attempted to pull over the vehicle, but allege it took them on a pursuit throughout the city, for approximately 1.5 to 2 miles. Eventually, officers said they saw the car quickly turn its lights off and pull into a parking spot, possibly in an attempt to elude police.
Officers said they discovered Kevin S. Shapiro, 21, of Winesap Road, driving and Michelle L. Mallozzi, 19, of Sterling Place, in the passenger's seat. Police said the cab driver then informed the officers he'd picked four passengers up at Grand Central and agreed to bring them to Stamford for $55, but upon arrival to the Stamford Train Station, all four passengers jumped out and ran off without paying.
The two cab riders who took off on foot were identified as Jeremiah J. Ormond, 21, of Rockrimmon Road, and Gemma L. Castagna, 20, of Erin Court in Norwalk. Police were allegedly able to identify the pair when they approached a separate officer and explained to him what they'd done.
Ormond, Castagna and Mallozzi were all charged with larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny and released on a Promise To Appear.
Shapiro was charged with interfering with an officer/resisting, engaging police in a pursuit, reckless driving, second-degree forgery, larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny. He was held on a $10,000 bond.
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Other Arrests
Henry Hernandez Castillo, 30, of Campbell Ave., was charged
Sunday afternoon with illegal operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Christopher Cintron, 30, of Towne St., was charged Sunday morning with second-degree assault and disorderly conduct.
Anthony Debartolomeo, 52, of Crane Rd., was charged Sunday afternoon with illegal possession of a narcotic.
Ann Demarco, 42, of Westwood Dr., was charged Saturday evening with fourth-degree larceny.
Joanna M. Fernandez, 25, of Clinton Ave. in Bridgeport, was charged Monday morning with violation of probation.
john Kowalchyk, 63, of S. Pacific St., was charged Saturday night with second-degree breach of peace.
Jared Heath Lerner, 27, of Dieman Ln. in E. Meadow, NY, was charged early Sunday morning with second-degree breach of peace and first-degree criminal trespassing.
Alexander J. Lionetti, 23, of Broadwood Dr., was charged early Sunday morning with interfering with an officer/resisting, third-degree assault and second-degree breach of peace.
Elder Dario Martinez, 24, of Roosevelt Ave., was charged Sunday evening with third-degree assault and risk of injury to a child.
Donis Jesus Mejia-Leiva, 25, of Gregory St., was charged Sunday night with violation of a motor vehicle license class and improper use of colored lights.
Christian Morales, 39, of Connecticut Ave., was charged Sunday night with second-degree breach of peace, interfering with an officer/resisting and possession of narcotics.
James Mysolgland, 28, of Towne St., was charged Sunday morning with second-degree assault and disorderly conduct.
