A mobile marketing executive at Taco Bell was caught on video violently assaulting a freelance Uber driver in California.
The now-fired marketing executive was too intoxicated to provide the driver with proper directions. The video also demonstrates the potential downsides of being a freelance driver working through the Uber App.
This original video has garnered nearly 1.3 million views on YouTube since it was uploaded by the driver.
“I am kicking you out,” the Uber driver says on the video. “Trip’s ended.”
The driver expresses his disbelief.
“Get out of my car or I will call the police,” the driver responds in the video.
The passenger, sitting directly behind the driver, opens the door as if to depart the cab but instead, fires off a volley of punches into the driver’s face and head.
The driver quickly pulls out a container of pepper spray and chases the unruly passenger out of his vehicle.
The video, obtained by ABC station KABC-TV in Los Angeles, shows the passenger having trouble sitting upright in the backseat.
Golden was arrested for charges of assault, disorderly conduct, and for being drunk in public.
Costa Mesa Police declined to release the victim’s name, but he identified himself as Edward Caban in an interview with KABC-TV.
“Unfortunately, when the incident happened, it was at 8:00 at night and I was just about to call it a night,” Caban told KABC-TV. “I didn’t think that something like this would happen this early in the night. I stopped driving these 2 a.m. shifts a long time ago, for this very reason.”
Caban, who has been driving for Uber since July, told KABC-TV that this was the first occasion in which a passenger attacked him.
Caban, who claimed he received some minor bruises, is seeking a new job as he no longer feels safe with Uber.
An Uber spokesperson said in a statement to ABC News, “We’ve been in contact with Mr. Caban and are thankful he is doing OK. We will provide any information to the investigating authorities as needed. The rider involved in this incident has been permanently banned from the platform.”
Uber also told said that Uber rides are not anonymous and that the platform is committed to offering safe, reliable transportation, constantly monitoring trips and listening to feedback from both drivers and riders.
Drivers can end any trip in which they feel threatened, the company also said.
Image: Edward Caban
Aira Bongco
The power of a person who is having a bad day can be surprising. I think him being banned is just right to ensure the safety of the drivers in the future.