A woman was hospitalized after what began as a routine taxi ride turned into a terrifying kidnapping and assault in Rockland County, New York. Authorities say the incident took place earlier this month near a well-known, family-friendly shopping center in Monsey.
According to Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh, 22-year-old Kevin Mazariego-Figueroa of Hillcrest has been indicted on multiple felony charges following a grand jury investigation. The charges include kidnapping, two counts of attempted assault, strangulation, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, driving while ability impaired by drugs, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle.
Officials say Mazariego-Figueroa was working as a taxi driver when he picked up a 40-year-old woman near 59 Route 59 in Monsey on May 5. The location is home to Monsey Town Square, which is promoted online as a “family-friendly shopping center with over 30 stores and services.”
Instead of taking the woman to her requested destination, Mazariego-Figueroa allegedly drove in the opposite direction and stopped near 23 Ridge Avenue in the Village of Spring Valley. There, he reportedly restrained the woman and physically assaulted her inside the taxi.
Authorities allege that during the attack, he attempted to stab her with a screwdriver. The woman managed to escape the vehicle and call for help.
Police located Mazariego-Figueroa shortly afterward in the Town of Ramapo. They allege he was under the influence of drugs at the time and driving with a suspended license.
The victim was taken to a nearby hospital after suffering visible injuries, including bite marks, facial swelling, and lacerations. Officials said she was in “substantial pain.”
Mazariego-Figueroa now faces a lengthy legal process as the case moves forward in Rockland County.
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