Hamtramck father killed while driving cab in Detroit

Joynul Islam, was shot and killed just doing his job as a taxi driver in Detroit. Now, investigators are working to find out who the shooter is that took the life of this father of 7. 

“As a community, we are mourning,” said Dr. Rabbi Allam, a family friend. 

The Bangladeshi- American community of Hamtramck was standing side by side Saturday to condemn the death of Islam. 

“It is senseless, it is brutal,” Allam said. 

Islam was a cab driver for Checker Cab, He was dropping a passenger off on the 600 block of Collingwood, near Woodward, around 2 a.m. Saturday morning. 

His friends told FOX 2 that his passenger refused to pay, then there were words exchanged and that was when Islam was shot. 

Detroit Police told us he was shot, lost control of the vehicle, then crashed into a tree. That’s how he passed away. 

“You took a precious life and not just a life of his, but he was the sole provider for 7 children,” said Allam. 

Islam was 60-years-old and had 7 children, now his children have to live without a father. 

“I saw the children running around, but the little ones didn’t even know what happened to their dad,” said Nayem Leon Chowdry, a family friend. “His daughter and the wives and the sisters are running around crying and heartbroken.”

Islam was planning on going to Bangladesh this summer with his oldest daughter, now that trip won’t happen. 

The community is mourning and begging for the gun violence to stop. 

“Just think twice that they are someone’s father, they are someone’s husband,” said Allam. To those who are killing innocent lives, don’t do it.” 

This investigation is still ongoing, police say.

Community Helpers Organization started a GoFundMe page to help the family of Joynul Islam. Click here to donate. 

Stay with FOX 2 for updates.