Man Attacks Taxi Driver Over Cab Fare In Nassau: Police

EAST MEADOW, NY — A man was charged with robbery after Nassau police said he attacked a taxi driver in East Meadow early Thursday.

A man, 72, was working as a driver for Hub Taxi when he was dispatched to pick a customer up at Nassau County Medical Center around 3:15 a.m., police said.

James Ely, 23, of Baldwin, entered the taxi and was informed of how much the fare would be and that it was required prior to the transport, police said. Ely became "irate," police said.

The driver left the taxi, and Ely followed him, police said. Ely then poured an unknown liquid on the driver, punched him in the head and chest and took his cell phone from him, police said.

Officers were called and found Ely hiding behind Mavis Discount Tires, at 2250 Hempstead Turnpike, police said. He was arrested without further incident, police said.

Ely was charged with third-degree robbery and was scheduled for arraignment Thursday at First District Court, at 99 Main St., Hempstead.