Taxi driver, 32, shot in head while driving passenger through Knoxville

PITTSBURGH — Police are searching for a gunman who shot a taxi driver while she was travelling through Pittsburgh’s Knoxville neighborhood Monday.

According to police, the driver was on Rochelle Street when she was struck.

Investigators said the female driver picked up a passenger on Knox Avenue and was at the intersection of Knox Avenue and Rochelle Street when she “heard two loud bangs.”

The driver said she initially thought she ran something over, but the person in the car with her said he thought they were gunshots. Police said the woman then tried to speed away when she felt something hit her head.

When she brought the taxi to a stop, the passenger inside ran away, police said.

Anthony Wimbush heard someone saying, “Help, help!” and found the cab driver wincing in pain.

“He said, ‘Are you OK?’ She said, ‘My head is hurting real bad.’  He tried to stay with her and keep her calm until someone came,” said Wimbush’s wife, Michelle.

The 32-year-old driver was transported to Allegheny General Hospital where she is being treated for a fractured skull. Police said the woman had a bullet lodged in her head, but is expected to be OK. She is currently listed in stable condition.

Officers said they searched the area but were unable to find the gunman or any witnesses. People who live nearby reported hearing at least seven shots, but said they did not witness the shooting.

One car parked on Rochelle Street was struck by a bullet and two other cars were damaged when the taxi driver ran into them.

So far, no arrests have been made. Police continue to investigate.

WPXI