Bolingbrook Man Beats Taxi Driver After Refusing to Pay Fare: Police

A 28-year-old man took a taxi home from a bar in Chicago, then lashed out after refusing to pay the driver, police said.

Fabian Perez, 28, was arrested early Sunday after allegedly running up a $79.45 taxi fare on his way to his home in the 100 block of Maplewood Drive in Bolingbrook, then refusing to pay.

Lt. Mike Rompa said Perez got out of the cab and, after arguing with the taxi driver, began to walk toward the house. When the taxi driver followed, Perez allegedly turned and rushed at the victim while threatening him, police said.

The taxi driver was battered in the ensuing struggle and received minor injuries, Rompa said.

When officers arrived on the scene, the victim said he wanted to press charges against Perez, according to police.

Rompa said Perez refused to comply with officers' orders and continually threatened them.

Perez was arrested and taken to the Will County jail. He is charged with theft of labor/services, aggravated battery and resisting arrest, police said. He also had an outstanding DuPage County warrant, according to jail records.

Bond was set at $5,000. As of Monday afternoon, he remained in custody, according to jail records.