NEW YORK (PIX11) — A driver in Jamaica, Queens, was pulled over by TLC officers, and PIX11 News was there to witness it.
The driver had no driver’s license, no registration, no insurance, and he was behind the wheel picking up fares.
“These TLC officers are walking up to cars with no weapon, no Taser, just a baton and Mace, and we have to make them better equipped to do their jobs,” said New York City Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry.
PIX11 News was there as Daughtry got a firsthand look at what TLC officers encounter during traffic stops, including how they identify illegal vehicles. Traffic stops remain one of the most dangerous parts of an officer’s job.
Daughtry’s years in law enforcement immediately connected with TLC Lt. Walter Colon, one of the supervisors on the operation. As we patrolled Jamaica, Queens, their focus was clear: protect unsuspecting passengers from hopping into “ghost rides,” vehicles that haven’t been properly inspected, insured, or background-checked.
In fact, one of their stops may have just prevented a serious incident, a young woman was about to step into an illegal vehicle moments before officers intervened.
Lt. Colon, a veteran officer who has been with the TLC since 2013, said it’s all about having his officers’ backs.
Throughout the day, officers issued several summonses and pulled a few dangerous cars off the streets. They believe getting even one illegal driver off the road could save a life.
CREDIT: PIX11 Nicole Johnson
