Brewster Man Accused of Knifing Taxi Driver In Lieu Of Payment

BREWSTER, NY – Police say a village resident attacked a taxi driver with a knife instead of paying him. Now Manuel Estabon, 43, faces charges of Assault in the 1st degree, a class B felony, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 4th degree, a class A misdemeanor.

New York State Police from the Brewster barracks were called by a taxi driver at 2:24 a.m. Sunday. He said he had been assaulted by a customer with a knife. After investigating, police allege the cabbie was driving the suspect Estabon, to the bank to obtain payment for the taxi services. Before they got there, Estabon assaulted the cabbie with a knife.

The victim suffered wounds to the face, neck, and hands but is in stable condition, police said.

Estabon ran away, police said, but was located in a nearby wooded area. He was arraigned before the town of Southeast Court and sent to the Putnam County Jail in lieu of $150,000 cash bail or $300,000 bond.

The New York State Police were assisted by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Village of Brewster Police Department, and the Brewster Southeast Joint Fire District ambulance crew.

PHOTO: Manuel Estabon/ NYSP