Photograph by Jacqueline Ramseyer
Rewarding: Larry Silva, president and general manager for Yellow Cab Co. on Bird Avenue, has posted a $5,000 reward for information on the shooting death of a fellow cab driver who was killed in San Jose.
WG cab company owner posts a reward for leads in killing
Milpitas Cab driver was found dead in his taxi Sept. 15
By Kate Carter
The owner of a Willow Glen-based cab company offered a $5,000 reward Sept. 21, for information about the shooting death of a driver for another company. Yellow Cab Company owner Larry Silva said he posted the reward because he wants to find the killer and prevent more crimes against taxi drivers.
Daljit Singh of Milpitas Cab was found dead of an apparent gunshot wound on Sept. 15, in his cab, which was found parked at the end of Mayellen Avenue, a dead-end street near San Jose City College.
Police have no suspects in the case and are asking for the public's help.
"What we've learned from other cities is that these generally aren't isolated incidents," Silva said. "We don't want to see that pattern start in our city."
Singh's was the first murder of a taxi driver in San Jose since 1978, San Jose police spokesman Rubens Dalaison said.
Silva said that the high quality of life locally has actually led to fewer crimes against cab drivers.
But Silva said most problems taxi drivers experience come from inebriated passengers.
"The nicest person during the day can be the worst client at night, just being intoxicated," he said.
Silva said that if violence against cabbies continues, some drivers may be reluctant to pick up fares who appear intoxicated or belligerent.
"Drivers are going to use a lot more discretion on who they pick up," he said.
Silva said Yellow Cab, that employs 320 drivers, could better afford to post a reward than the smaller Milpitas Cab. He said it doesn't matter what company a cab driver works for when it comes to dealing with crime.
"Taxi drivers should feel safe in their jobs," he said.
Anyone who may have information regarding this case is asked to call Sgt. Mike Ponte or Sgt. Wayne Farquhar at 408.277.5283. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 408.947.STOP.
Willow Glen, California Since 1992
