Taxi Driver Escapes Injury After Fare Dispute Erupts in Gunfire

Downtown Miami with Taxi

Photo: swilmor / iStock / Getty Images

Pensacola, FL - A frightening incident unfolded in Pensacola on Sunday when a taxi fare dispute turned violent.

The Escambia County Sheriff's Office (ECSO) responded to reports of gunfire near the intersection of North L Street and Avery Street.

Their investigation revealed that a Z Trip taxi driver had picked up 21-year-old Je'Teris Damon Peaks on Paula Avenue and was transporting him to a Family Dollar on North Pace Boulevard.

According to the driver's account, Peaks refused to pay the fare.

After circling the block, the driver reported that Peaks fired a weapon, shattering the taxi's rear window.

Thankfully, the driver remained unharmed.

Fortunately, a nearby deputy had heard the gunshots and responded to the scene.

The driver provided a description of Peaks and his last known location.

Deputies located Peaks; however, he attempted to flee and allegedly pointed a firearm at them.

This prompted the deputies to discharge their weapons, striking Peaks.

He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Peaks faces multiple charges, including three counts of aggravated assault on law enforcement officers, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and resisting arrest.

Neither the deputies nor the taxi driver sustained any injuries.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the officer-involved shooting, as per standard protocol.


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