Iowa City man accused of assaulting cab driver, jumping on car's hood

An Iowa City man has been arrested on accusations he assaulted a cab driver during an argument over the cab fare, kicked the car and jumped on the vehicle, attempting to break its windshield wiper.

Christopher John Ajluni, 23, faces charges of criminal mischief and assault causing bodily injury after police said he got into an argument with a taxi driver that turned physical. Iowa City police were called to 705 Streb St. about 2:30 a.m. March 18 on a report of a fight.

The driver said Ajluni kicked his cab, then came at the driver after being confronted, according to a criminal complaint. The driver told investigators that he took Ajluni down to avoid being assaulted, and the two fought on the ground.

During the altercation, the driver said he suffered abrasions, a bloody and swollen lip, and an injury to his ribs where he said Ajluni kicked him, according to the complaint.

Witnesses also reported seeing Ajluni kick the side of the cab, creating a large dent in the passenger fender. Following the fight between the driver and Ajluni, at least four witnesses said they saw him sprawled across the hood trying to break the windshield wiper as the driver tried to get away, according to the complaint.

The estimated cost of the damage was $320.

Ajluni admitted to being in a fight with the driver, according to the complaint. He stated several times, according to the police, that his friends had to hold him back so he would not assault the driver further.