Woman, dog hurt in cab hit-run

A 29-year-old woman who was riding a bike with her pooch in her purse incurred minor injuries early today when she was struck by a taxi in South Philadelphia.

The cab, believed to be a black and white Olde City Taxi, sped off after knocking the woman off her bike about 2:40 a.m. as both were traveling northbound on Broad Street near Federal, police said.

A witness called 9-1-1 and the woman was taken to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, where she was treated and released, said police spokesman Lt. Frank Vanore.

The dog was not seriously injured, he said.

Daily News phone messages left with a manager at Olde City Taxi were not returned.

"You guys know as much as we know," a dispatcher said when contacted by the Daily News.

Four cabs were in the vicinity at the time of the accident, said Jim Ney, director of the Philadelphia Parking Authority's taxicab and limousine division.

"The Philadelphia police requested our assistance, and we were able to identify the taxi that was involved in the incident," he said.

Police had not made any arrests by last night.

"The police have impounded a vehicle," police spokeswoman Officer Tanya Little said. "It is still being investigated if it was the vehicle in the accident."

Ney said that the PPA believes it knows who was driving but will not take action pending a police investigation. If a licensed cab driver was responsible, he will face further penalties by the PPA.

"He would most certainly lose his driver certificate," Ney said. *