GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A Grand Rapids taxi cab driver struck and killed a man who he said was attempting to rob him early Thursday morning.

Preliminary reports indicate the Calder City Cab driver was dropping off a passenger around 2 a.m. near the intersection of Fulton Street and Jefferson Avenue when the incident occurred.

The passenger allegedly threatened to assault the driver with a hammer in an attempt to rob him.

Police said the driver attempted to flee the area, striking and killing the man with his vehicle in the process.

On scene, officers closed off Jefferson Avenue from Fulton Street to Weston Street while the Grand Rapids Police Forensics Unit assisted in the investigation.

The area was still closed around 6 a.m. as the cab was being removed from the scene.

Police have not released the names of the driver or deceased passenger.

Anyone with additional information is requested to call GRPD at 616-456-3400, or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.