Taxi driver shot by customer in East Garfield Park

A taxi driver was shot early Wednesday in the East Garfield Park neighborhood on the West Side.

The suspect contacted a taxi company and requested a ride just after 1 a.m. in the 700 block of North Avers, according to Chicago Police.

As the driver waited for the passenger, the passenger walked up and shot the 58-year-old driver in the chest, police said.

The victim was taken to Stroger Hospital, where his condition was stabilized, police said.

The shooter was described as a black man between 20 and 24 years old, 5-foot-6 and 5-foot-7 and 120 to 130 pounds with a dark complexion and wearing dark clothing, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Area North detectives at (312) 744-8200 or submit anonymous tips to TIPSOFT.com.