Attacker banned from using Uber service, no longer employed with Taco Bell.
A former executive of Taco Bell was charged Tuesday with the assault of an Uber driver, who had to defend himself with pepper spray in California, according to authorities.
The LA Times reports that the executive, Benjamin Golden, is facing four counts including assault, battery, battery on a public transportation employee with injury, and assault on public transportation property. All charges are misdemeanors, according to the Orange County district attorney’s office.
Golden faces a potential maximum sentence of one year in jail and a fine of $10,000, if he is convicted on all charges. The arraignment is scheduled for November 17th, with prosecutors asking for bail to be set at $20,000.
Taco Bell said Monday that Golden, a marketing manager for the restaurant, is no longer employed with the company. In a statement issued by Taco Bell, they determined that Golden’s behavior has made it clear that he cannot work for the company. Additionally, they “offered and encouraged him to seek professional help.”
The driver, Edward Caban, shared video of the incident via dash cam on YouTube, Friday. The video gained over 1.3 Million views. Golden was arrested in a shopping center, following the incident, Friday night.
The video shows the driver asking Golden to exit the vehicle, as he collapses into the back seat. The driver tells Golden that he is too drunk to give Caban directions. The passenger argues that he is giving directions. Caban tells Golden that the trip is over, telling him that if he does not exit the vehicle, he will call the police. The passenger opens the door, then attacks Caban, hitting him several times.
According to Caban, Golden hit him and pulled his hair. He responded by spraying pepper spray at Golden. Caban shared the video footage with police. According to Uber spokesperson Kayla Whaling, Golden has been banned from using the ride sharing service.