Police have arrested and charged a 26-year-old man who allegedly assaulted a private hire driver on Sunday morning.

Superintendent Kris Evans said around 2:00am on December 2 the offender and two associates engaged a private hire car on Mitchell Street and asked the driver to take them to Nightcliff.

“The offender became abusive to the driver after he was directed to drive down a dead end street in Coconut Grove.   As a result the driver attended the Shell Service Station and asked the passengers to exit the vehicle.   At this point the offender assaulted the victim.

“The victim managed to run from the scene and flag down a Police Vehicle.   Whilst the victim was reporting the assault, the offender stole the private hire car and drove away.

“Police apprehended the offender a short time later.   He has since been charged with aggravated assault, aggravated unlawful use of a motor vehicle, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving unlicensed, failure to wear seatbelt and failure to pay for private hire vehicle.”

Investigations are continuing to identify the two associates of the alleged offender.

Police ask anyone who has witnessed the assault, to contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000