A New York City man allegedly burglarized at least five cars on Sunday, all of them livery cabs --- and police say he has been doing the same thing for almost 40 years.
A police bodycam released by the NYPD showed an officer running after 62-year-old Robert Williams on Sunday after witnesses identified him as a suspect who was breaking into vehicles along Elderts Lane in East New York. One cellphone video recorded by a witness also allegedly shows Williams getting out of a car he broke into that morning.
For-hire driver Mohammad Hossain says he was one of the victims in Williams' alleged break-in spree.
"My wallet also has my green card, social security, work permit and my four credit cards, two debit card, driver's license...actually I lost everything," Hossain said, counting all his missing items. He's now forced to stop working just before the holidays.
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"I can't drive, I can't work...now I'm feeling so bad, you know, this is a bad time for me. Because this is time for Christmas, Thanksgiving Day," he added.
With more than 70 prior arrests for similar crimes, investigators say Williams used a screwdriver and rusted pliers to peel back weatherstrips on car windows to make off with anything valuable.
"He's been a menace to poor, hardworking individuals who go out just to put food on their tables," said Fernando Mateo, founder of New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers.
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Police say Williams already had a warrant for his arrest for failing to appear in court for another alleged crime spree that took place earlier this year. Information for Williams' representative wasn't immediately available.
