Cops: Man struck taxi driver in Will County, did not pay for ride

A Chicago man riding in a taxicab on Interstate 57 in Will County was arrested after he struck the driver, kicked a state trooper and failed to pay the fare, according to the Illinois State Police.

On Saturday, state troopers responded to a report of a battery involving a taxi driver and his passenger in the northbound lanes of I-57 near Sauk Trail, said Illinois State Police Trooper DeAnn Falat. The location is near Richton Park and Governors State University.

Tyler D. Hamlin, 28, of the 4000 block of North Sheridan Road was a passenger in the taxi, Falat said. He allegedly did not pay for his ride, she said.

A criminal complaint filed against Hamlin alleged he struck the taxi driver. The complaint also alleged he kicked and struck a state trooper who responded to the incident.

Hamlin also allegedly pulled away while he was handcuffed by the state trooper, the complaint said.

After he was arrested, Hamlin was booked into the Will County jail.

During a court hearing Monday, a judge found probable cause for the warrantless arrest of Hamlin and set his bond in the amount of $250,000, court records show. Hamlin will need to post $25,000 for his release from jail.

A Will County assistant public defender was appointed to represent Hamlin.

Hamlin faces two counts of aggravated battery to state trooper, one count of aggravated battery to a taxi driver, aggravated assault, theft of services and resisting a state trooper.

His case has been scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 20.