Taxi driver stabbed; cab stolen

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The Springfield Police have arrested 41 year old Luis Rosa of Springfield, who is accused of stabbing his taxi driver, stealing the cab and then leading police on a chase that culminated in a three vehicle accident, all after he allegedly murdered his mother.

Springfield Police Sgt. John Delaney told 22News that Rosa is suspected of killing his mother, 57 year-old Norma Perez, in her Saab Court apartment Sunday evening. Click here for the latest on Springfield's first homicide of 2013.

Hours later, Rosa reportedly called for a cab to drop him off outside the Allen Park Apartments.

According to Lt. Henry Gagnon, that's when Rosa allegedly stabbed his taxi driver, who was able to escape the cab. He was taken to Baystate Medical Center, and is expected to survive.

Rosa allegedly broke the taxi's window and stole the car.

Springfield Police chased Rosa and his taxi westbound on Wilbraham Road, before he crashed in front of the Mason Square Library on State Street. Rosa hit two other cars before flipping the taxi.

A witness to the accident said he also saw the taxi hit a fire hydrant.

The Springfield Fire Department had to use the jaws of life to get Rosa out of the wreck. He was taken to Baystate Medical Center under armed guard, He is expected to survive.

The drivers of both of the other cars also sustained minor injuries.

Lt. David Martin told 22News that Rosa will be charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, carjacking and multiple traffic violations. He is also charged with murder for Perez's death.