In a case reminiscent of a series of abductions earlier this year, an unlicensed cab driver was released unharmed early yesterday after he was forced into the trunk of his car by two men seeking a ride near Mondawmin Mall, Baltimore police said.

Calvin Vaughn, 40, of the 2700 block of W. North Ave., told police that he picked up the two men in the 2500 block of Reisterstown Road about 8:30 p.m. Saturday after they asked for a ride to Palmer Court, near Pimlico Race Track.

While en route, one of the men pulled a handgun and told Mr. Vaughn to stop the car. The men forced him into the trunk and then drove around for an undetermined amount of time, police said.

The men released Mr. Vaughn in the 700 block of E. 33rd St. and drove off with Mr. Vaughn's 1987 Buick and $85 they took from him, police said. Mr. Vaughn flagged down a police officer and filed a report about 1 a.m.

Police said the incident may have been a copycat of several abductions in the city earlier this year.