Uber driver sleeps with shotgun by bed following Orange County attack

COSTA MESA, Calif. (KABC) -- An Uber driver from Orange County said he now sleeps with a shotgun by his bed after being viciously attacked by an intoxicated Taco Bell executive.

On Tuesday, Benjamin Golden, 32, of Newport Beach was charged with four misdemeanor counts including assault and battery.

In addition to the criminal charges filed against him, Golden was also sued by Edward Caban for damages in excess of $25,000 for assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligent infliction of emotional distress.

"I'm paranoid. I keep waking up in the middle of the night. I think I hear something. I keep the shotgun next to the bed now, and I'm honestly afraid that he's going to come after me," Caban said.

Golden attacked Caban after he pulled over in a parking lot and asked him to get out of his vehicle on the evening of Oct. 30.

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.

As a result of the attack, 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."

Caban, who had been driving for Uber full-time since July, is now looking for a new job because he doesn't feel safe driving for the ride-hailing service.

Caban's lawyer said the lawsuit is about promoting driver safety and making sure a message is sent to all riders and passengers that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated on any level.

Golden is set to be arraigned later this month.