Cab Driver Who Struck Tourist In Midtown Says Job Is Too Stressful

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The cab driver who plowed into and seriously injured a British tourist said driving a New York City taxi is too stressful.

Mohammed Faysal Himon told the New York Post "I need a more suitable job.''

He said he accelerated to get around a bicyclist who he said pounded on his car and yelled at him. The Post reported that the cyclist had a lengthy rap sheet and recently was arrested for allegedly threatening a man.

"He started pounding on my car with his hands and was yelling things at me," Himon told the Post. "I suddenly felt like I had to get out of there. It was becoming a bad situation."

Himon said he didn't remember much after that until he saw the victim's leg by his cab.

"I was in shock," he said. "When I crashed, I didn't even see the lady. At first, I didn't think I hit anyone, then I saw her foot by my car. I can't get it out of my mind."

The 23-year-old victim, Sian Green, had her leg severed and lost her left foot in the accident. The cab slammed into her at Rockefeller Center plaza on Tuesday.

On Thursday, Green's parents Sonia and Jason - who arrived in New York on Wednesday - released a statement of thanks.

"There are not enough words to express our gratitude to everyone who has helped our family during this difficult time," the statement began.

The family then named a number of people and organizations - from Dr. Oz to Bellevue Hospital and British Airways - for their efforts in the aftermath of the accident.

"And a very special thanks to all the people of New York City and beyond who we don't know and have sent well wishes to our family. We hope Sian will soon be on her way to recovery and will be able to personally thank all the kind people of New York City," the statement concluded.

Quick-thinking good Samaritans, plumber David Justino and food truck owner Max Crespo, rushed to Green's aid.

"Myself and a plumber put a tourniquet on," said Crespo. "The plumber took his belt off and applied the first tourniquet. I grabbed her leg, the part that was torn off, and put it in a bucket of ice."

"Just did what needed to be done," Justino said.

Himon, who has been registered with the Taxi and Limousine Commission since 2010, is not facing criminal charges, but was issued a summons for being an unauthorized driver, which means that he was not listed as a driver for the car that he was operating at the time of the accident.

Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said Wednesday that the investigation into the crash was ongoing.

"The investigation is going forward," he said. "It takes some time to do that and reconstruct the scene the best they can."

Sources told CBS 2 that Himon has had several moving violations in 2010 when he was granted his license, including running a red light, speeding, improper turn and use of a bus lane.

The TLC said it is taking steps to suspend his license.

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