Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Cabbie Charged With Shooting Smoker

Compiled From Wire Services

A taxi driver refused to let a man into his cab with a lighted cigarette, setting off a struggle that ended with the would-be passenger shot to death.

Cabbie Richard Cromlish, 30, was charged with manslaughter in the death of Russell McDonald, 57.

Police said McDonald tried to get into Cromlish’s cab while smoking a cigarette early Saturday, then held onto the door as Cromlish started driving away.

“Richie told him to put out his cigarette because that’s the law, not because he didn’t like his face,” said Simon Musat, an owner of Queen City Cab Co., whose dispatching service Cromlish used.

When McDonald jumped in and grabbed at the steering wheel, Cromlish drew a 9 mm handgun and opened fire, hitting McDonald twice in the chest and twice in the groin, officers said.