Man Accused Of Shooting Livery Cab Passenger In Brooklyn Appears In Court

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A man accused of shooting the passenger of a livery cab in Brooklyn was in court Monday. Though he didn't say anything, he did relay an affectionate gesture to one person in the gallery.

Michael Magnan appeared in court to hear prosecutors charge him with shooting a livery cab passenger during a robbery Saturday morning in Flatlands. The 19-year-old said nothing, but actually blew a kiss to an unidentified woman who then quickly left the courthouse, CBS 2's Dick Brennan reported.

Magnan's relatives reportedly said the teenager was too drunk do anything Saturday, but on Monday backpedaled when asked about the comment.

"You know, I don't know. I was drunk yesterday, too," said Frantz Magnan, the accused's father.

Livery cab driver Eric Martine told another New York City television station he had just picked up two passengers, 23-year-old Nikita Grebelskiy and his sister, when the gunman came over and demanded money, but Martine decided to try to get away.

"I turned around and I gave him a right hook in the face. I hit the gas, I ducked my head down and pop pop pop, three shots. He shot the windows out," Martine said.

One of the bullets hit Grebelskiy in the head, injuring him gravely.

"The female passenger was screaming 'Oh my god! Oh my god!' She was hysterical, 'He got my brother!'" Martine said.

Police are also investigating a shooting at a party in the neighborhood Saturday morning, but said Magnan is not connected to that crime.

"There were two different types of ammunition. They don't match-up to the individual's weapon," NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly said.

Prosecutors said the shooting victim is not expected to survive. Magnan has another court date Wednesday.

Prosecutors said Magnan could face additional charges.

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