Arrest Made After Cab Driver Threatened With A 'Ghost Gun': Police

RAMAPO, NY — A simple cab trip turned terrifying before the ride even started, according to police in Rockland County.

On Saturday night, Town of Ramapo Police Department officers arrested a 26-year-old man from the Hillcrest area of the town after a cab driver reported being threatened with a handgun while picking up a fare on Rockland Lane.

Investigators say that during an argument, the suspect lifted his shirt to display a handgun, then removed the weapon and racked the slide, chambering a round. During the troubling incident, the fare that the taxi was there to pick up was waiting with a young child nearby.

Detectives identified the suspect through a photo array, went to the suspect's home with patrol officers, and took him into custody. Police also recovered an un-serialized "ghost gun" and an ammunition feeding device.

The suspect was charged with criminal possession of a weapon and menacing.

"This was a dangerous situation that could have resulted in tragedy," the Town of Ramapo Police Department said in a statement announcing the arrest. "Thanks to the victim's quick report and the coordinated response by our patrol officers and detectives, the firearm was recovered and the suspect was taken into custody without further incident. Ramapo Police remain committed to protecting our community and holding violent offenders accountable."