Columbia Taxi Driver Accused of Shooting at Patron

A Columbia cab driver is facing several charges after he allegedly fired a gun at a customer at a downtown hotel.

Vincent Laben, 33, is charged with attempted murder, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime and unlawful carrying of a weapon, according to the Columbia Police Department. 

The incident happened at the Clarion Hotel located at 1615 Gervais Street around 11 p.m. Tuesday after Laben picked up a woman from the Columbia Metropolitan Airport.

The woman told police she told the cab driver that she didn’t have cash, only a debit card, and that she would give him money after using the hotel’s ATM, according to a news release.

That’s when Laben allegedly grabbed the woman’s cell phone while inside the cab, which caused a physical altercation between the two, the release said.

The victim screamed for help and bystanders ran to her aid, stopping the altercation between her and Laben. The victim then got out of the cab and ran to the back of the hotel. 

Laben is accused of grabbing an assault rifle and running after the victim. He allegedly fired at least two rounds at her, police said.

A man who was in the area detained Laben until officers arrived on the scene.  No one was injured during the incident.

Upon arrest, Laben complained of having chest pains and was transported to a local hospital and was released. 

Laben is being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center on a $200,000 bond.