Charges laid after Calgary cab flipped because driver punched unconscious

A Calgary cab driver is recovering from a "disturbing and violent attack" after he was punched unconscious by a customer and flipped his taxi.

The dashcam footage shows the driver being struck in the head, losing consciousness and then being punched about 10 more times, according to Checker Yellow Cab president Kurt Enders.

"It's probably one of the most disturbing and violent attacks I've ever seen on one of our drivers," said Enders.

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A 38-year-old manis charged with one count of assault and was out on parole at the timeof the attack.

He has a long criminal history that includes violencemost recently a 2014 conviction of assault on a man in Grande Prairie. He was given a two-year sentence.

Enders says he's hopeful that after viewing the video, police might consider laying more charges or upgrading them.

"To continually hit him another 10 times while he's knocked unconscious is ... inhumane," said Enders. "It's quite disgusting actually."

Around 2:00 a.m. on Friday on Elbow Drive the Checker Yellow Cab driver picked up his fare but the passenger was unable to give him a drop-off address. After throwing his wallet at the cab driver, he was offered a free ride back downtown wherehe'doriginallybeen picked up, according to Enders.

The accused was released on a promise to appear while he was in hospital being treated for minor injuries following the rollover, but it is possible he could be taken into custody as he was likely in violation of his parole conditions.

The driver has taken some time off work and is expected to recover.

"He's doing relatively OK," said Enders. "He's just trying to not relive everythingthat'sgone on, he's taken some time off andhe's trying to let the bruises and the soreness heal."

The cab company will "do whatever we need to do" to support the driver, Enders says.