Uber driver suing suspect in Orange County attack
COSTA MESA, Calif. (KABC) -- An Uber driver who police said was viciously attacked by an intoxicated man is suing the suspect for the alleged onslaught.
Edward Caban has filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of California in Orange County on Tuesday against 32-year-old Benjamin Golden of Newport Beach.
Caban claims Golden caused damages in excess of $25,000 for assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
Golden is accused of attacking Caban the evening of Friday in Costa Mesa, according to Costa Mesa police.
Video obtained by ABC7 Eyewitness News shows what appears to be an intoxicated Golden falling over and struggling to give directions in the back seat of Caban's car.
Caban then pulls over in a parking lot and asks Golden to exit the vehicle.
Golden opens the door, but before getting out, police said he attacked Caban.
After being punched several times and having his hair pulled, Caban was able to defend himself using pepper spray.
Golden was arrested at the scene and charged with assault on a cab driver and public intoxication.
On Monday, it was announced that Golden was fired from his job as a Taco Bell corporate employee.
Taco Bell released the following statement following his termination, "Given the behavior of the individual, it is clear he can no longer work for us. We have also offered and encouraged him to seek professional help.
