Cab driver, 74, says customer who refused to pay choked him

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A 74-year-old cab driver said he was attacked by a passenger in Orange County.

Anton Tanas told WFTV that he picked up Dean Horak, 26, along with his girlfriend, and dropped the couple off at the Peabody hotel on Sunday.

Tanas said when he asked for payment, Horak refused and began choking Tanas and damaging the cab. "I'm feeling alright right now, but I still, I've got so much pain moving my head," Tanas said.

"The car, it's been in the garage. I don't know how long they're going to fix it. Meantime, I'm out of a job because of that."

Deputies said they are reviewing the cab's surveillance video.

Tanas said he has never been assaulted by a passenger in his six years of driving for Mears.

Horak was arrested, but denies the allegations.

WFTV