Suspect Arrested for Attacking Uber Driver in Florida

An Uber driver was attacked by one of his passengers early Wednesday morning, NBC affiliate WPTV reported.

This attack comes days after a dashboard camera caught a former Taco Bell executive striking an Uber driver repeatedly in the head in Southern California. 

The driver called police at a little after 6:00 a.m. and said he had been attacked and his car had been damaged, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

The suspect, Travis J. Gordon, of West Palm Beach, has been arrested. 

After the Uber driver, Dieuvenet Joseph, picked up two passengers they instructed him to go to a closed business at 5:40 a.m, WPTV reported. 

Dieuvenet said after he dropped the two passengers off at a second location, Gordon, who appeared under the influence, fell to the floor.

When Gordon got back up, he started striking Dieuvenet several times in the back of the head through the car's window. While the driver was able to lock the doors, he was unable to roll up the window while Gordon continued punching, according to WPTV. 

The suspect started to chase Dieuvenet after the driver was able to escape through the car's passenger door. According to deputies, Gordon punched and broke the rear driver side window of the vehicle. The suspect had lacerations on his forearm and hand but was denied assistance, the sheriff's office said.

Gordon faces burglary, battery and criminal mischief charges. His attorney information was unclear. 

It is not clear at this time what happened to the second passenger.

Uber spokeswoman Kayla Whaling told NBC Owned Televsion Stations that the company is in contact with the driver to help him.

"This was an unacceptable experience for our driver-partner and we're relieved he was not seriously hurt. We will assist him and the police investigation every way we can," Whaling said. 

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