N. Bellmore Man Beat Uber Driver Unconscious: Police

A 23-year-old North Bellmore man faces felony assault charges after he beat an Uber driver unconscious early Sunday, Nassau Police said.

According to police, Phillip Gannotta, of Davenport Place, and two friends ordered an Uber car service from Massapequa Park to a North Bellmore address.

The Uber driver took the three passengers to Bedford Avenue and Sunrise Highway in Bellmore, at which time an argument ensued between Gannotta and the 23-year-old male driver around 1:15 a.m., police said.

Gannotta exited the car and began kicking and punching the car, breaking the rear passenger side window, police said. He then hit the driver in the face several times with a flashlight and kicked the driver, causing facial fractures and rendering the driver unconscious, police said.

The driver was transported to an area hospital, where he is listed in stable condition. Gannotta surrendered to detectives at 3:10 a.m at the Seventh Precinct in Seaford.

Gannotta is charged with two counts of second degree assault, fourth degree criminal possession of a weapon and fourth degree criminal mischief. He will be arraigned Monday at First District Court in Hempstead.