Cabbie charged with assault for allegedly running down fares

The cabbie accused of mowing down passengers after refusing to take them to the Bronx was arraigned yesterday on charges including first-degree assault, officials said.

Mohammed Azam, 27, of Jackson Heights, faces numerous counts of assault, reckless endangerment and leaving the scene of an accident. He faces up to 25 years in prison.

Four passengers allegedly flagged down Azam in Manhattan Sunday and asked to go to the Bronx. Azam refused and drove them to a police station instead. According to the criminal complaint, Azam then ran three of down outside, sending one passenger to the hospital where he remained in critical but stable condition.

Azam’s attorney could not be reached for comment yesterday.