Hempstead Taxi Driver Accused of Stabbing Passenger During Fare Dispute at Jericho Motel

A Hempstead taxi driver was arrested Saturday, Oct. 31, after allegedly stabbing a passenger in the chest and abdomen during a dispute over payment at a Jericho motel, Nassau County police said.

Josue Bustillo Ramirez, 28, of Hempstead, faces assault and weapons charges following the confrontation at the Edgewood Motel, located at 38 Jericho Turnpike.

According to Nassau County Police Department Second Squad detectives, officers responded to a disturbance at the motel at approximately 3:15 a.m.

Investigators said Bustillo Ramirez and his 41-year-old passenger became involved in an argument over payment for taxi services. The dispute escalated into a physical confrontation, during which Bustillo Ramirez allegedly stabbed the passenger in the chest and abdomen.

The victim was transported to a hospital in stable condition with injuries that were not considered life-threatening, police said.

Bustillo Ramirez was arrested without further incident and charged with second-degree assault, a Class D felony, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a Class A misdemeanor. Court records identify the weapon involved as a knife or cutting instrument.

Josue Bustillo-Ramirez, 28, of Hempstead, is accused of stabbing a passenger during a taxi fare dispute at a Jericho motel on Oct. 31, 2026. (Nassau County Police Department)