Crime & Safety
Island Lake Man Arrested After Attacking Cab Driver
Jason M. Smalarz, 33, of Island Lake, was arrested Dec. 31, 2013, after he attacked a cab driver, sheriff's officials said.
An Island Lake man was arrested on New Year's Eve after he began hitting and kicking a cab driver while traveling along River Road near McHenry.
Jason M. Smalarz, 33, of the 700 block of Dartmouth Dr., was charged with aggravated battery, according to a McHenry County Sheriff's Office news release.
Smalarz called the taxi service Tuesday night and asked to be picked up from a McHenry home. At about 10:45 p.m., Smalarz began hitting the cab driver in the head while en route to his destination, the Sheriff said.
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The cab driver pulled over in the 900 block of River Road in unincorporated McHenry and called 911. Smalarz kicked the driver in the side and then ran away on foot, according to Sheriff's officials.
McHenry County Sheriff's deputies arrived at the scene, located Smalarz nearby and took him into custody.
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The McHenry County State's Attorney's Office approved the charge of aggravated battery.
Smalarz was transported to the McHenry County Correctional Facility. His bond was set at $25,000, and he is scheduled to appear in court Jan. 6.
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