This image was lost some time after publication.

We've heard rumors about this in the past, but never before have we seen photographic proof. Now, thanks to a devoted and cameraphone-wielding reader, we present documentary evidence: There really are cop cars dressed up as taxicabs.

Saw the weirdest thing [the other] night. Least I think it was weird, maybe I'm late to the party. Out of the blue a taxi at West 3rd and MacDougal flipped on a police light, pulled over a pickup full of fratty-ish dudes, yanked badges out, jerked the dudes out of the truck and gave them an impressive frisking. People's mouths were open, for it was not just shocking but impressive — the undercover cops totally looked the part, down to the schlubby West Indian-looking driver and the trim, white fare.

What this means, of course, is that you'll now have to avoid all taxicabs when doing anything illegal. How unedgy.

All the pics are after the jump.

This image was lost some time after publication.
This image was lost some time after publication.
This image was lost some time after publication.
This image was lost some time after publication.