More Details Released About USFK Soldier Involved in Taxi Cab Incident in Itaewon
The Stars & Stripes has provided more details about what happened recently in Itaewon between a taxi driver and a USFK soldier:
An American soldier was detained after he reportedly scuffled with police and tried to steal a taxi after a night out drinking in Seoul over the weekend.
The incident occurred more than a month after U.S. Forces Korea, the main command for the 28,500 servicemembers stationed in the South, temporarily lifted a 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. off-installation curfew that had been in place for years.
The 21-year-old soldier, who is assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division, was angered when a taxi driver refused to let him into the car at about 5:30 a.m. Saturday in the trendy neighborhood of Itaewon, the Korea Broadcasting System reported.
The incident remained under investigation and the soldier was in the custody of his chain of command, the 2nd ID said Thursday, declining to provide more details due to the ongoing investigation.
According to the KBS report, the soldier hit the driver, then tried to drive away in the taxi after the driver got out to talk to police, but the taxi crashed into a fire hydrant.
The soldier scuffled with police and tried to run away, but the officers subdued him with a stun gun, according to the report. He was detained on suspicion of assault and property damage but was released to American military authorities in accordance with the status of forces agreement between the allies.An American soldier was detained after he reportedly scuffled with police and tried to steal a taxi after a night out drinking in Seoul over the weekend.
The incident occurred more than a month after U.S. Forces Korea, the main command for the 28,500 servicemembers stationed in the South, temporarily lifted a 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. off-installation curfew that had been in place for years.
The 21-year-old soldier, who is assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division, was angered when a taxi driver refused to let him into the car at about 5:30 a.m. Saturday in the trendy neighborhood of Itaewon, the Korea Broadcasting System reported.
The incident remained under investigation and the soldier was in the custody of his chain of command, the 2nd ID said Thursday, declining to provide more details due to the ongoing investigation.
According to the KBS report, the soldier hit the driver, then tried to drive away in the taxi after the driver got out to talk to police, but the taxi crashed into a fire hydrant.
Stars & Stripes
You can read more at the link.
5:30am? In Itarwon? Whoever heard of drunks causing trouble at 5:30am in Itaewon? I blame General Motors, not General Abrams for this. If the 21 year old had a Chevy truck, he’d have been too busy replacing the water pump to need a taxi.
At least, that’s been my experience with a Camaro, an S10 pickup, and three Buicks since 1979… my non-GM cars needed other repairs; but never a water pump…
Taxi drivers are not permitted to refuse fares. Why does no one talk about this?
Flyingsword, I have stood on a curb with two large suitcases wearing a business suit and been refused “silver” taxi service. Had to walk a long block to the Hamilton Hotel to get a “black” taxi to take me to the Hyatt sp I could catch the Limousine Bus to the airport. A little nervous because the wife took a cab (and the other four suitcases) who promised to come back and get me (but lied).
Had similar experiences in NY, LA, Chicago, and London.
My uber in the states always shows up. of course the leftist korean taxi union and the commie politicians will never allow uber in Korea. Almost makes you want to punch a cab driver too.
I don’t want to punch ’em; but I don’t want to use ’em, either…