The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Florida man was charged when he reportedly hit an Uber driver after trying to enter the vehicle without a face mask and being told that he would not be permitted.
In the early morning hours on October 27, 30-year-old Christopher Vacha reportedly put in a request for an Uber to pick him up at an apartment building in Treasure Island.
The driver fulfilling the Seminole man’s ride order arrived at the pick-up location, and Vacha reportedly walked up to the vehicle without a face mask.
According to Uber’s COVID-19 safety policy posted in the app and on their website, “Before every trip, riders must confirm that they’ve taken precautions like wearing a face cover and washing or sanitizing their hands. They must also agree to sit in the back seat and open windows for ventilation.”
When the driver noticed that Vacha was reportedly sans face covering, he rolled down his window and explained to the man that he was not permitted to get into the vehicle without complying with the company’s safety measures.
In a purportedly intentional act, Vacha allegedly leaned nearer to the window and blew into the driver’s face.
The driver got out of the car, and Vacha allegedly used a closed fist to punch the 68-year-old alleged victim in the face.
The Treasure Island Police Department responded to the alleged attack, and when officers arrived they asserted that Vacha was in the wrong, and asked the man to put his hands behind him so he could be cuffed.
Vacha allegedly would not comply with the request.
After he was handcuffed and taken into custody, Vacha was booked into the county jail on a $50,000 bond. He is facing charges for suspicion of battery on a person over the age of 65, and resisting.
If Vacha bonds out of jail, he is disallowed from contacting the alleged victim.
If you or someone you love is suspected of an assault or battery offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.