Suspect in Uber Driver Attack Charged with Battery, Faces Suit

A California man captured on video attacking an Uber driver has been charged with assault and battery.

Benjamin Golden of Newport Beach also was charged Tuesday with assault on a public transportation property and battery on a public transit employee with injury.

He faces up to a year in jail and a $10,000 fine if convicted of four misdemeanor charges.

KABC-TV in Los Angeles reports Edward Caban filed a lawsuit Tuesday in Orange County against Golden.

The suit seeks damages in excess of $25,000 for assault, battery, and infliction of emotional distress.

Golden is out of jail and couldn't be reached for comment.

Police say Golden, a brand manager for Taco Bell, was ordered out of the car on Friday in Costa Mesa because he was too drunk to give directions.

Police say a dashboard camera video shows Golden slapping the driver, grabbing his hair and slamming his head against a window until the man pepper-sprayed him.

Taco Bell has fired Golden.