Jan. 05--A Bronzeville man has been charged with attacking a taxi driver last month on the Near North Side, prosecutors said Sunday.
Rostelle R. Reese, 30, got into a cab in the 700 block of North Clark Street with another person around 3 a.m. Dec. 21 after a night of drinking at a Christmas party and a nightclub, Cook County Assistant State's Attorney LaShunda Copperwood said Sunday in bond court.
Reese sat in the front passenger seat and began to adjust the taxi's climate controls and radio, Copperwood said.
The 30-year-old taxi driver told Reese to stop, she said, and an argument ensued.
Reese punched the taxi driver multiple times in the head and shoulders as the taxi was in motion, Copperwood said.
The other person in the taxi pleaded with Reese to stop, Copperwood said, and the driver stopped the cab.
The driver called the police, she said, and he and Reese continued to fight.
The other person in the cab left, Copperwood said, and the driver tried to get Reese to stay until the police arrived.
Reese fled down an alley and the driver followed, Copperwood said.
At one point, Reese turned around and pointed an unknown object at the driver, threatening to shoot him if he continued to follow, she said.
The driver stopped following him and Reese fled, according to Copperwood.
The driver identified Reese in a photo array, Copperwood said.
He was arrested Friday at his job, according to court records and Copperwood.
Reese, of the 4200 block of Vincennes Avenue, was ordered released on his own recognizance Sunday.
He is charged with aggravated battery of a taxi driver, a felony, according to court records.
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