Former Taco Bell Exec Wants to Apologize to Uber Driver He Attacked in 'Isolated Incident,' Lawyer Says
Benjamin Golden wants to apologize in person to Edward Caban for attack.
— -- A former Taco Bell executive wants to apologize to his Uber driver after attacking him in an incident caught on video, his lawyers said Wednesday, branding the altercation as an "isolated incident."
Lawyers for Benjamin Golden -- Anita Kay and Courtney Pilchman -- said the suspect wants to meet with the driver, Edward Caban, privately to ask for forgiveness for allegedly hitting him multiple times and hitting his head against the car door and window.
Video of the Oct. 30 incident in Newport Beach, CA was captured on the driver's dashboard camera and has created a firestorm on the web.
"Mr. Golden recognizes that despite his level of intoxication, he should have never slapped Mr. Caban and is extremely remorseful for his actions," Kay and Pilchman said.
Caban used pepper spray to defend himself from Golden's blows according to the video and Newport Beach police. Golden has since been fired from his position as head of mobile commerce and innovation at Taco Bell. Kay and Pilchman said they have reached out to Caban's lawyer, but have yet to receive a response.
Golden was charged on Tuesday with assault on a public transportation property, battery on a public transit employee with injury, assault and battery, according to the Orange County District Attorney's office.
Golden's lawyers called the altercation an "isolated incident" that is not indicative of his behavior.
"Moving forward, Mr. Golden will avail himself of all opportunities that will assist him in gaining insight and growth from this experience," Kay and Pilchman said.
If convicted, Golden faces a maximum of one year in jail and a $10,000 fine, according to the District Attorney's office.
He has not entered a plea and is set to be arraigned on Nov. 17, his lawyer said.