Norwalk Man Accused Of Punching Uber Driver In Face: Westport PD

WESTPORT, CT — Police said a Norwalk man accused of punching an Uber driver in the face and smashing the driver's phone outside a Westport restaurant last month was arrested Wednesday. According to a press release, officers were dispatched to a report of an assault outside a local restaurant on April 17 at approximately 1 a.m.

Police said an Uber driver parked in front of the restaurant waiting for a fare was approached by an unknown man who asked him to move his vehicle, and the driver moved his vehicle approximately 20 feet.

According to police, the driver reported he was again approached by the man, who punched him in the face through an open window after a verbal altercation. When the driver attempted to call 911, the accused took the phone and "smashed it before throwing it across the street," police said.

The accused then fled the scene and the driver contacted police.

Police said officers learned the accused was known as "Steve" and was associated with the band playing at the restaurant earlier that evening. Officers used surveillance video from the area to identify him as Steven Valerin, 50, of Norwalk, police said. An arrest warrant application was submitted and later approved.

The accused turned himself in at police headquarters on the outstanding warrant Wednesday, police said. He was charged with third-degree assault, which means there was a minor injury or intent to cause injury, and interfering with an emergency call, police said.