Hoffman Estates man charged with striking a cab driver

A Hoffman Estates man is accused of hitting and kicking a taxi driver, breaking the driver’s jaw and cheek.

Richard Olson is charged with aggravated battery after the altercation Sunday night, which authorities say began when Olson and his companions refused to pay a $74 fare after the taxi driver drove them home from a Schaumburg nightspot.

A Cook County judge set bail at $40,000 for Olson.

Police say Olson and four companions fled the cab without paying the fare or the $50 cleanup fee required after one of the passengers vomited in the taxi.

The cabdriver called police, who arrived and began searching the neighborhood for the passengers, prosecutors said. Olson, 22, then returned to the cab and engaged in a verbal exchange with the driver, then struck him in the face, said Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Lesley Gool.

The defendant then used his knees and feet to strike the driver in the head, breaking his jaw and cheek and dislodging four teeth, said Gool, adding that the victim underwent surgery at St. Alexius Medical Center.

Police said Olson turned himself in Monday.

Olson’s criminal background includes six months supervision for a 2006 battery charge.

If convicted, Olson could face two to five years in prison. Probation is also available. He next appears in court on Dec. 28.