The DC Office of Taxicabs (Office) has moved to immediately suspend the privilege of operating a taxicab from Mr. Kefyalew B. Teshome. A complaint was filed with the Metropolitan Police Department against Mr. Teshome which resulted in his arrest, prosecution and subsequent conviction for assaulting a passenger who had just exited his taxicab.

Mr. Teshome was found guilty of simple assault in a D.C. Superior Court trial. The abuse or use of physical force against a passenger is, additionally, a direct violation of DC Taxicab Commission regulations. The Office has determined that an imminent danger is posed to the public by the continued operation of a taxicab by this individual and thus moved to immediately suspend his license and issue a notice that he is subject to a total fine of one-thousand dollars ($1,000.00).

The law provides serious penalties if this person is caught operating a vehicle with a suspended license including additional fines and impoundment of his vehicle.

Mr. Teshome is entitled to a hearing before the DC Office of Administrative Hearings to appeal the immediate suspension. A hearing would be held within three business days of such a request.

“This is an egregious violation that we take very seriously,” said Commission Chairman Ron M. Linton who also serves as the Chief of the DC Office of Taxicabs. “The passengers in DC taxis should be assured that we will move swiftly to take action against such unacceptable behavior by drivers.”