Toledoan indicted in assault on cab driver

5/1/2012

A Toledo man accused of stabbing a cab driver after allegedly refusing to pay his fare was indicted by a Lucas County grand jury Monday.

Michael Zettner, 44, of 2740 Isha Lay Dr. was charged with one count each of aggravated robbery and felonious assault. If convicted he faces up to 19 years in prison.

According to police, a cab driver, Todd Hendricks, gave a man a ride about 1:30 a.m. April 22 and upon reaching the South Toledo destination, the man refused to pay the $17 fare.

The passenger pulled a knife, and in a struggle the taxi driver was cut on his hand and the assailant was cut on his left hand and leg, police said. The rider fled the car once the driver had control of the knife, court documents state.

Zettner had been sentenced Feb. 29 to three years of probation after pleading to a misdemeanor count of theft. If convicted on the recent charges, he would also face a probation violation.