Man yells 'Trump' while beating East African cab driver, police say

Grand Rapids police photo of injured cab driver.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Police say a man beat a cab driver of East African descent and repeatedly yelled, "Trump."

Police found the suspect after the assault.

He allegedly invoked President-elect Donald Trump's name and made "discriminatory comments" about the victim's race, police said.

Police are investigating the incident as a potential case of ethnic intimidation.

Grand Rapids police photo of injured cab driver.

Investigators are trying to find five women who were in the cab before the assault took place early Saturday, Nov. 12.

The cab driver told police he picked up five women from The B.O.B., on Monroe Avenue NW at Fulton Street West, just before 2:30 a.m. Saturday.

The suspect also got into the cab.

The cab driver took the women to Straight Avenue SW near Fulton but the man asked that he be dropped off at another location.

"After the victim informed the suspect that the fare would cost additional money, the suspect assaulted the victim several times while yelling the word, 'Trump,'" police said in a statement.

The victim, 30, waved down a police officer.

Police found the suspect who was questioned and arrested for assault and battery, police said.

After his arrest, the suspect made comments about the victim's race, police said.

Police asked the women in the cab to contact investigators at 456-3829.

"Our hope is that the females who were in the vehicle will come forward to give us an opportunity to further the investigation," Sgt. Terry Dixon said.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.