Accused fake-shuttle driver at JFK arrested

QUEENS, N.Y. (WABC) -- An unlicensed livery cab driver is accused of pretending to run a shuttle service at Kennedy airport.

Barnabas Laurent, 47, of Brentwood, told travelers Saturday that the airport's AirTrain shuttle wasn't running and that he was a "Super Shuttle" driver. According to police, Laurent said he was authorized to drive people from the AirTrain stations at Federal Circle and Howard Beach for $410. He even had a fake price list in his vehicle.

According to the Queens district attorney, Laurent was seen approaching passengers at JFK's arrivals section in Terminal 1 and telling them that he was a Super Shuttle driver. The D.A. said he offered to take them to the Jamaica Station or elsewhere.

He was arraigned on third-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, second-degree criminal impersonation, third-degree criminal trespass and unlawful solicitation of ground transportation. The defendant is being held in lieu of $500 bail and his next court date is March 19. If convicted, Laurent faces up to a year in jail.