Man Attacks Cab Driver With Cigarette: Police

Philadelphia police arrested a man for allegedly assaulting a Philadelphia cab driver Saturday morning.

The 53-year-old driver picked up 21-year-old Justin Niezporowicz of Port Richmond on the 200 block of Brown Street around 1:50 a.m.

As he was driving, he noticed that Niezporowicz was smoking and told him to put it out. That’s when Niezporowicz allegedly extinguished his cigarette on the cab driver’s face.

Police then say that the suspect got out of the vehicle and punched the cab driver. When the driver tried to run away, he fell and struck his head on a fire hydrant.

Niezporowicz then continued to hit the driver as he was on the ground, according to authorities.

Two 6th District Police Officers arrived at the scene as the assault took place. They were able to separate the two and took Niezporowicz into custody.

The unidentified cab driver was taken to Hahnemann Hospital. There is currently no word on his condition.

Niezporowicz is charged with aggravated assault, simple assault and other related charges, police said.


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