Drunk passenger attacks taxi driver in moving vehicle

A 63-year-old intoxicated man was arrested after violently assaulting a taxi driver in a moving cab on February 8, grabbing the driver's neck, punching him, and kicking him repeatedly while the driver continued driving to reach police assistance.

A dramatic in-car camera video from a Hong Kong taxi captured a violent incident on the morning of February 8 in which a heavily intoxicated passenger assaulted the driver for nearly two and a half minutes. 

The footage showed the 63-year-old man, surnamed Ko, suddenly kicking the driver twice in the shoulder from the back seat before lunging forward to choke and punch him.

Despite the attack, the 40-year-old driver, surnamed Chan, kept control of the vehicle with one hand on the steering wheel at times while fending off the assailant. 

The struggle continued with the passenger repeatedly grabbing the driver's neck, pulling his collar, and striking him, even after being pushed back into the seat.

The driver eventually steered the taxi to the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force headquarters on Wang Chiu Road, where he stopped, got out, and called for help. 

Police arrived, arrested the intoxicated Ko for assault, and both men were taken to United Christian Hospital for treatment of injuries. 

The driver suffered scratches and wounds to his forehead, face, and neck.

According to police, the passenger had been helped into the taxi by a friend in Sheung Wan while drunk and initially slept during the ride. 

He woke up near Kai Ching Estate and suddenly attacked the driver. 

Ko was later released on bail pending further investigation by the Ngau Tau Kok police district.