New York police have arrested a 22-year-old man in connection with the destruction of a yellow taxi following the New York Knicks’ comeback win in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Marshawn Nelson was taken into custody at his Brooklyn home and charged with criminal mischief after being identified on video whipping the hood of the taxi with a belt.
The incident occurred shortly after midnight on June 11 near the intersection of West 36th Street and Seventh Avenue, about an hour after the Knicks overcame a 29-point deficit to take a 3-1 lead over the San Antonio Spurs. Surveillance footage showed Nelson standing on the taxi, driven by 59-year-old Noureddine Bitat, striking the vehicle’s hood and causing dents. Additional damage included a shattered windshield and the attempted overturning of the cab by a large group of people gathered at the scene. Some individuals were observed waving Palestinian flags during the unrest.
Nelson appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court and pleaded not guilty. His charges were deemed non-bail eligible. He is the second individual arrested in relation to the taxi vandalism; Saul Vargas of Saint Cloud, Florida, also faces criminal mischief charges after surrendering to authorities on June 15.
The taxi driver, Bitat, who is originally from Algeria and has resided in New York for four years, was forcibly removed from his vehicle and beaten amid the celebrations. Through a translator, Bitat recounted being stopped at a red light when a crowd attacked him, physically assaulting him and shouting Knicks-related slogans. Bystanders eventually intervened to protect Bitat from further harm. Bitat has a wife and three children and previously worked as an Arabic teacher for over two decades before becoming a taxi driver two years ago.
In the wake of the game, the NYPD reported making 56 arrests related to disturbances outside Madison Square Garden, where large crowds gathered between Fifth and Eighth Avenues. Of these, 41 individuals were issued court summonses and released, while 15 were formally charged. The unrest included fans climbing on and damaging four police vehicles, breaking into a tractor trailer, setting off fireworks, and throwing bottles at officers. Ten police officers sustained injuries during the incidents.
Separately, a 17-year-old boy was left in a coma following an assault near the arena. Police suspect the attack was incited by a Twitch streamer shouting “Spurs in 7!” to provoke Knicks fans. No arrests have been made in that case.
Authorities continue to seek a third suspect, described as a young man wearing a Knicks jersey, believed to be involved in the taxi vandalism. Police are asking anyone with information to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers.