Woman Accused Of Paying Hudson Valley Taxi Driver With Fake Cash: PD

SPRING VALLEY, NY — A taxi customer is accused of paying for a ride with fake money, then assaulting the driver after being confronted about it, according to police.

Malinda Sheffield, 65, of Clarkstown, was charged Friday with first-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, fourth-degree grand larceny, third-degree assault, and theft of services.

Det. Sgt. Randy DiPaolo said police were summoned on March 13 around 1:17 p.m. to the vicinity of Hoffman Street and West Church Street for a report of a fight between a taxi driver and customer. Officers arrived and separated them.

According to police, after getting a taxi ride, Sheffield “attempted to pay the driver with a fraudulent bill.”

The driver confronted Sheffield, who “became angry and physically assaulted the taxi driver,” police said. The victim suffered a head injury during the altercation and required medical attention, according to police.

Sheffield was arraigned in the Village of Spring Valley Justice Court and released on her own recognizance.

Police are asking anyone with information on the incident to contact them at 845-356-7400 or tips@villagespringvalley.org.