Man arrested for Wilmington taxi robberies

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Every day cab companies across Wilmington receive hundreds of phone calls. Wednesday night two cab companies received calls that are every driver’s worst nightmare.

Around 11 p.m. a driver for Kat’s Taxi was dispatched to pick up a fare on Market Street. When he got there the passenger pulled a gun on the driver and demanded money before running off. Police believe five hours later the same person robbed a driver from Yellow Cab on Ann Street.

Thursday afternoon, police arrested Eddie Leon McCracken, 48, for the crimes.

The crimes have cab drivers around Wilmington on edge.

“I think more cabbies need to arm themselves, because the city is getting way too dangerous,” taxi driver James Gallagher said. “All it would take is one cab driver to defend themselves to stop this nonsense.”

“Police need to patrol more in certain areas, not just down on front and Market Street,” cab driver James Allen said. “They need to be on second, third and a little bit further out where people are walking home. That’s where we are getting robbed at.”

Police arrested Eddie Leon McCracken on Thursday afternoon. Police say he is believed to be involved in both robberies.