Texas Uber Driver Assaults 68-Year-Old Over Legroom Dispute

Dallas police are investigating a disturbing incident where a rideshare driver punched a 68-year-old passenger in the back of the head following an argument about legroom. The attack, which was caught on surveillance camera in the Dallas Design District, took place on Wednesday afternoon.

Dallas Police Investigate Rideshare Driver for Assaulting Elderly Passenger Over Legroom Dispute

Suleman Gauba, the elderly passenger, shared his experience, explaining that the conflict began when he complained about the cramped space in the back seat of the Chevrolet Malibu Uber. The driver, irritated by the complaint, canceled the ride and told Gauba to exit the vehicle.

"I told him, ‘Why are you canceling my ride?’ I don’t know," Gauba said. Moments later, surveillance footage shows the driver getting out of the car and punching Gauba in the back of the head, causing him to fall to the ground. The driver then hovered over Gauba as his wife, who had been in the car, slowly exited.

Gauba and his wife had been on their way to Walmart when the altercation occurred. According to Gauba, after he was struck, his wife threatened to call the police. The driver quickly fled the scene before authorities arrived.

“I was thinking, you know, what’s happened with me? Why did he hit me?” Gauba, originally from Pakistan, reflected. Having moved to Dallas from New Mexico a few years ago and relying on rideshare services to get around, he expressed shock and disbelief at the attack.

Police Get Involved

The Dallas Police Department confirmed there had been an argument between Gauba and the driver before the assault. Gauba and his wife have since filed a complaint with Uber, and investigators are working to locate the suspect. The couple provided police with a possible license plate number.

What Did Uber Say About The Incident?

In a statement, Uber condemned the driver’s actions: "This behavior is unacceptable. Violence of any kind is not tolerated on the Uber platform, and we expect all users to treat each other with respect. We have been in touch with the rider and have removed the driver’s access to the platform."

As the investigation continues, Gauba hopes the driver is found and held accountable for the attack. "He deserves jail," Gauba said.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Dallas Police Department.