Man arrested for alleged taxi assault

Photo / supplied

Police are crediting the media for the arrest of an 18-year-old man wanted for an alleged assault on a Hamilton taxi driver in September.

Sergeant Neil Fenwick said a distinctive tattoo on the man's neck led him to be identified just minutes after an image of him, captured on newly installed security cameras, appeared on television.

Police had also identified the second offender, who they were trying to get in touch with.

The alleged assault occurred when the driver was called to a job at Sunnyhills Ave, Glenview, about 12.30am on September 17.

Inspector Karen Henrikson said two men got into the taxi van and asked to be taken into town but said they had no money.

"Our victim told them if they didn't have the means to pay for the fare he couldn't take them into the CBD. Suddenly one of the men started assaulting the driver, punching him in the head and shoulders."

The second man also allegedly attacked the driver before both men fled.

Ms Henrikson said offenders needed to realise that with technology constantly improving there was little chance crimes such as this would go unpunished.