SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Rocks or BB pellets have hit more than a dozen taxis as they traveled near the San Diego International Airport over the past week, cab drivers told 10News.
The attacks along Harbor Drive have left cracks in their windshields and dents in the vehicles’ sides, cabbies said.
“It's life threatening and we are just shocked what's going on,” said cabbie Ahmad Saddat-Nejad.
Saddat-Nejad, who has been driving for almost 30 years, said he has never had anything like these attacks happen.
“My car was not even in motion. Suddenly, I hear ‘boom’. Somebody threw a rock,” he said, reporting an incident on Harbor Drive at Laurel Street.
“It happened to five cars yesterday again,” said Alex Tegegne of the San Diego Taxi Association.
Tegegne said the attacks occur every night after dark, from North Harbor Drive down the Embarcadero.
“We start to say do we need a helmet, or what should we do now? Should we avoid going on Harbor? What can we do,” Tegegne told 10News.
In all, 17 cabs have been targeted.
“It is totally very scary, and the customers don't feel comfortable about it,” said Tegegne.
Cab drivers say they can’t afford to lose those customers. The success of Uber and Lyft have taken a toll on the taxi industry.
“We don't know if this thing is taking business from us. We are already on life support to begin with, but this will be another threat to our customers and also ourselves," Tegegne said.
The threat could be enough to put drivers out of work.
“He could have killed me and I’m scared of driving now. This is my living and how I’m supporting my family,” said Ezzaddin Fato.
San Diego Harbor Police confirm the arrest of one suspect Saturday, but said another attack has happened since then. The Port of San Diego is also investigating the matter.
