A shirtless 21-year-old Florida man turned himself in at a Bronx precinct overnight when he saw he was wanted for allegedly helping to destroy a cab in Manhattan after a Knicks game, sources said.
Saul Vargas of St. Cloud was part of the mob of men who jumped on the hood and roof of the yellow taxi and smashed its windows June 11, after New York City’s hometown hoops heroes’ miracle comeback victory in Game 4 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, cops said.
Knicks fans smashing the taxi cab while holding a Palestinian flag. FreedomNewsTVPolice did not specify what Vargas’ alleged involvement was in the violent vandalism.
Law-enforcement sources said the Florida man was headed back home when he learned he was being sought and surrendered at the 42nd Precinct stationhouse.
Viral video showed a group of people brazenly perched atop the wrecked cab and brandishing a Palestinian flag. Cops said Vargas was not one of the people seen in the clip.
The footage, filmed around 12:30 a.m. June 11 at the corner of 36th Street and Seventh Avenue, was shot as thousands swarmed the streets of Midtown in a celebration that turned violent after the Knicks rallied from a 29-point deficit to beat the San Antonio Spurs, 107-106 — setting up Saturday’s famous court showdown ending with the Knicks winning the championship title.
Saul Vargas, 21, was arraigned and later released for allegedly participating in a riot following the New York Knicks winning the NBA Finals. Kevin C. Downs for NY Post
People seen on top of the cab. Sam Hartson (FreedomNewsTV)
The taxi had its window smashed in. Anadolu via Getty ImagesVargas was charged with one count of criminal mischief.
Cops arrested 56 people that night for a smattering of charges including assault on a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal mischief.
Of those, 41 were released with summonses.
