Arlington Heights man charged with striking cab driver

Schaumburg police charged a 37-year-old Arlington Heights man with aggravated battery to a senior after they say he struck a 70-year-old cabdriver who picked him up from a Schaumburg nightclub during the early morning hours of May 27.

Cook County Judge Jill Cerone Marisie Friday set bail at $10,000 for Eric Munch, who prosecutors say struck the victim in the head several times causing bleeding, swelling and bruising. Marisie also ordered Munch to submit to drug monitoring.

Munch has a criminal background dating back to 1994, said Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Jennifer Walsh. It includes convictions and conditional discharge on such charges as: DUI, criminal damage to property, domestic battery, disorderly conduct and possession of cannabis, Walsh said.

“The majority of his cases are misdemeanors,” countered Cook County Assistant Public Defender Salvatore Spaccaferro, saying this marks his client’s first felony arrest.

If convicted, Munch could receive a prison sentence of two to five years. Probation is also an option.

He next appears in court on July 12.