AUSTIN — A man police identified as an Uber driver has been accused of pulling a knife on a passenger after the two got in an argument, an arrest warrant stated.
According to a warrant obtained by KVUE, police responded to Spring Creek Drive in southwest Austin on Nov. 10 at 12:30 a.m. in response to a reported physical altercation. A man stated that he called for an Uber to give him a ride to that location.
The man stated to police that he and his driver, Glenn Etienne, 28, got into a political argument while he was driving and it continued after they arrived at the destination. After the alleged victim exited the vehicle, Etienne reportedly approached him with a hunting knife and said, "Come fight me now." Then the man put his hands up and told Etienne it was not manly to pull a knife on him.
Etienne returned the knife to the vehicle and sat it down, then he walked to the man and struck him in the face with a closed fist, according to the affidavit. Then the man allegedly tried to take a picture of the license plate, but Etienne walked toward the victim and slapped the phone out of his hand, knocking it onto the ground. The man called 911 after picking up his phone.
Authorities spoke with Etienne, who stated that the incident did happen and he also confirmed striking the man in the face. Etienne said to authorities that he carries what he allegedly described as a hunting knife in his vehicle and he keeps the knife within reach.
The man said his face and forehead were in pain after he was hit. Police said he had visible injury which he went to the doctor for the following day. The man told authorities that he believed he was going to die when Etienne allegedly pulled the knife on him.
According to the warrant, he faces a $15,000 bond. Austin police told KVUE Etienne is not in custody yet.