A taxi driver was shot in the hand by a passenger Thursday night on the 200 block of S. Farragut Street, according to police. The incident happened shortly before 10 p.m. when the passenger pulled out a gun and announced a robbery after the cab stopped. The passenger was picked up at 48th and Baltimore and asked to be taken to 47th and Locust Streets, but when the taxi arrived at 47th and Locust he told the driver to turn down 200 S. Farragut St. and to let him out there. When the driver pulled over the passenger pulled out a black handgun, reached through the partition and pointed the handgun at the driver’s head, demanding money, police said. The driver, who worked for Freedom Taxi, grabbed the gun and a struggle ensued, during which the driver was shot and wounded in his right thumb and left index finger with a single shot.

After shooting the driver the passenger took his money, cell phone and car keys and fled south on Farragut Street. He ran into an alleyway and disappeared. The victim’s cell phone was later found on Farragut Street.

The cab driver was taken to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania for treatment and is expected to be okay.

Police are asking for public’s assistance in locating the suspect. He’s described as a black male, dark complexion, 28-32 years old, 5’9-6’00” tall, thin build, thick beard with mustache. He was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and carrying a black backpack.

Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact the Southwest Detectives Division (Lieutenant Walker or Joseph Murray) at 215-476-1131.