Cab Driver From NJ Hit With Hockey Stick Before Fatal Crash: NYPD

CHELSEA, NY — A livery cab driver from New Jersey who died after crashing into the center divider on West Street in Chelsea was hit in the head with a hockey stick shortly before his death, the NYPD said.

The NYPD said officers responded to the intersection of West Street and Horatio Street just before midnight Saturday for the report of a crash. Authorities say they found a single-car crash and the driver was taken to Lenox Hill Health Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A preliminary police investigation found that the livery cab driver, identified as 68-year-old West New York resident Randolpf Tolk, was going southbound on 11th Avenue when he came to stop at West 20th Street. According to police, Tolk became engaged in a physical altercation with a male pedestrian who struck him in the head with a hockey stick before fleeing the scene.

Tolk continued to drive southbound on 11th Avenue and eventually struck the center divider on West Street at the intersection of Horatio Street, police said.

Police arrested 39-year-old Manhattan resident Kohji Kosugi in relation to the incident. Kosugi has been charged with manslaughter.

The New York City Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death and the investigation is ongoing.

With reporting by Feroze Dhanoa, Patch National Staff

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