Watertown Cabbie Accused of Punching, Ramming Cyclist

A driver for a Brookline-based taxi company was charged Monday in a bizarre incident where police say he hit a cyclist who moments before hit a pedestrian.

The driver—Sam Chandler, 45—was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (his cab) and leaving the scene of a crash. The Boston Herald reported he lives in Watertown.

Authorities said the incident happened on Tremont Street. A bicyclist said he ran a stop sign and hit a woman who was crossing the street. The bicyclist then approached Chandler for help, but Chandler got belligerent and punched the cyclist—then rammed him with his cab, authorities said. Chandler drives for Bay State Taxi.

The bicyclist and pedestrian were injured and transported to Mass. General Hospital. They were expected to survive.

Chandler was arraigned Monday. His bail was set at $1,000 and he was due back in court Dec. 10.

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