April 18, 2016 Staff Report
The police are searching for a man who slashed a livery cab driver in Corona early Saturday who is also wanted for questioning regarding a murder that took place in Manhattan on Friday.
The suspect, identified as William Smith, allegedly hailed a cab at 103rd Street and Roosevelt Avenue at about 12:30 am Saturday and then slashed the driver about his back and neck upon arriving at his destination, according to the NYPD.
Smith, 53, got out of the vehicle at the 5840 Holiday Inn on Van Cleef Street, according to police. He then fled on foot, leaving behind his wallet and cell phone at the scene.
The 43-year-old cab driver was transported by EMS to Elmhurst General Hospital in stable condition.
Smith is also wanted for questioning regarding a murder that took place on Friday in Manhattan. Police responded to a call at about 8:30 am and discovered a 56-year-old unconscious man inside 400 East 30th Street with a laceration to his neck. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation is being treated as a homicide and a medical Examiner has yet to determine the cause of death. The identity of the deceased has not yet been released.
Smith is a male, black, 5’7, 160 pounds and has hazel eyes, according to the NYPD.
Police released a photo of Smith from his 2016 arrest for far evasion. They are asking anyone with any information to call the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). All calls are confidential.