A cab driver on Long Island was arrested after authorities say he left the scene of an accident and then stole his victim's phone when they followed him and tried calling police.
According to officials, 36-year-old Jeffrey Bernard was driving his taxi on Hempstead Gardens Drive Friday morning, when he struck another vehicle. Bernard then left the scene of the accident, but was followed by the 18-year-old driver of the other car.
When Bernard pulled over several blocks away, the victim got out of his car and attempted to call police. Bernard then took the man's cellphone and returned to his cab, police said.
In an attempt to stop Bernard from leaving the victim grabbed the back of the cab and was dragged about two blocks before falling off, suffering an abrasion to his elbow and a leg injury, authorities said. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of his injuries.
On Saturday, police arrested Bernard at his home in Jamaica, Queens. He is being charged with robbery first and second degree, criminal mischief fourth degree, leaving the scene of an accident with physical injury and leaving the scene of an accident without report.
Information on an attorney for Bernard was not immediately available.
