$5,000 Reward Offered By Metro Taxi In Cab Driver Murder
DENVER (CBS4)- Metro Taxi is offering a $5,000 reward in the murder of a cabbie who had taken the job to help with expenses after his wife became disabled.
Darren Bloomquist, 49, was shot and killed in his cab about 4 a.m. Saturday in Green Valley Ranch. According to Metro Taxi, Bloomquist was shot in the head during a robbery.
"Bad things happen to good people," said Bloomquist's colleague Hamidou Diarra.
Bloomquist's cab was discovered by neighbors after it crashed into a parked SUV. Police were called by Metro Taxi to make welfare check of Bloomquist. A policeman arriving on the scene quickly called for the homicide detectives.
"This is not just a loss for Metro Taxi, but to the Denver community at large to lose such a special driver," said President and Owner of Metro Taxi Denver Robert McBride in a statement. "Darren's death reminds us how precious life is, and we should not take this life for granted."
Neighbors say they saw police counting cash on the trunk of the cab and police believe the motive for the shooting was robbery. A police spokesman told CBS4 the murder of a cabbie is out of the ordinary in Denver.
"As far as we know a confrontation happened and the driver was tragically killed and left there for dead," said Metro Taxi Community Liason Kate McBride.
"We will not rest until Bloomquist's murderer is brought to justice," said Kate McBride in a statement. "It's sickening to think this happened to such a caring, selfless, and overall great guy. He always put others before himself in a way that few people ever do. He served our country; made sure his wife had the best care possible and did his part to ensure that the citizens and visitors of Denver were transported quickly, safely, and fairly. He'll be greatly missed, and while we can't bring him back, we're doing our part to ensure that whoever did this pays for what they've done."
Bloomquist was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
Flyers have been posted on all of Metro Taxi's cabs with Bloomquist's picture urging anyone with information to call.
"It's just tragic. And our prayers and thoughts are with Darren's family and we won't stop until we find out who did this," said Kate McBride.
"You just killed somebody who served your own people. Serving your neighbors, your brothers," said Diarra.
Additional Information from Metro Taxi:
If you have any information regarding the events of Darren Bloomquist's death or leads on his murderer, please contact our Metro Taxi Denver line directly at 303-336-9108. Any information related to the tragedy would be greatly appreciated. Further, there is another additional $2,000.00 reward through Metro Denver Crimestoppers. Tips can be left with Metro Denver Crimestoppers at the following contact number 720-913-7867.
