After fare dispute, customer allegedly stole taxi in North Philly

A 65-year-old woman who police said disputed the cost of her fare allegedly stole a taxi Thursday which she drove until being stopped by officers.

According to police, at about 12:35 a.m., Thursday, officers responded to the 4100 block of N. Broad Street on a report of a stolen vehicle. They learned that a cab driver had gotten into a dispute over a fare with a customer at that location and, according to police, the customer – who law enforcement officials identified as Betty Thomas of the 100 block of E. Maryland Street – hopped into the driver’s seat of the cab and sped away, headed southbound on Broad Street.

A short time later, police said, officers found a vehicle matching the stolen taxi’s description and stopped the vehicle on the 3900 block of Whitaker Ave.

Thomas has been arrested and charged with theft by unlawful taking, theft of services, terroristic threats, unauthorized use of auto and related charges.