MEDIA CONTACT: Neville Waters 202.645.6020; [email protected]

The DC Taxicab Commission (DCTC) announced the immediate suspension of taxicab driver Sahlu Tekletsadik pending an action of proposed revocation of his license to drive a taxicab in the District. The enforcement action stems from his arrest for carrying an unlicensed firearm and making felony threats during a road rage incident with a private citizen in another vehicle.  Tekletsadik also faces over $2,500 in fines.

The road rage incident occurred on October 14 as Tekletsadik was operating a taxi. According to the police report, he began yelling obscenities at another driver while at a stop light. The other driver, fearful of Tekletsadik’s outburst, flagged down a Metropolitan Police Officer. The MPD Officer was granted permission to undertake a search and discovered an unloaded gun in Tekletsadik’s backpack along with five rounds of ammunition. Tekletsadik was then arrested for carrying a pistol without a license, possessing unregistered ammunition and making felony threats towards the driver of the other vehicle.

The enforcement actions proposed by DCTC are neither intended to replace nor to supersede the actions or proceedings of any other governmental entity, including any related criminal prosecutions. Rather, DCTC is proceeding under the regulatory authority set forth by Title 31.

Tekletsadik has been directed to surrender his Face Identification Card by October 21, 2014. A hearing will be held to determine if his Face Identification License will be revoked based on violations of Title 31. In the meantime, if Tekletsadik is discovered operating a taxicab he faces additional penalties including fines and vehicle impoundment.