Passenger bites off taxi driver's ear in Nea Ionia following payment machine dispute
A 35-year-old passenger was arrested in Nea Ionia after biting off part of a 54-year-old taxi driver's ear during an argument over a malfunctioning card payment terminal early on 4 October 2026.
Fare dispute during early morning transit
The altercation took place shortly after 01:00 on 4 October 2026 in the Nea Ionia municipality of the Athens urban area. A 54-year-old female taxi driver accepted the fare in the Kypseli district of Athens to transport the passenger north. During the transit, a technical issue arose involving the vehicle's electronic payment terminal. The driver indicated to the customer that the payment machine was not functioning properly. The disagreement over the payment device intensified quickly between both individuals inside the moving vehicle.
Physical assault on Dimerdesiou Street
The conflict reached a violent level as the vehicle traveled along Dimerdesiou Street in Nea Ionia. The 35-year-old passenger approached the driver aggressively within the interior of the cab. He subsequently attacked the 54-year-old woman, biting her on the face and severing her ear. Following the physical attack, the assailant exited the vehicle immediately and fled the scene on foot.
- Passenger boards the taxi in Kypseli before a dispute starts over the payment device
- Passenger bites the driver's face, severs her ear, and flees the taxi
- Driver alerts police and EKAV, leading to her transport to Elpis Hospital
- Motorcycle officers arrest the 35-year-old suspect in Nea Ionia
Emergency response and hospitalization
Following the attacker's departure, the injured driver contacted emergency services from the scene of the incident. She reported the physical assault to the Hellenic Police and requested medical assistance through the National Emergency Aid Centre (EKAV). Ambulance personnel arrived on Dimerdesiou Street to evaluate the driver's condition and provide immediate assistance. The emergency medical team transferred the 54-year-old woman to Elpis Hospital in Athens for specialized treatment of her severed ear.
Arrest and formal charges
Police officers assigned to the DIAS motorcycle response unit mobilized across the area to locate the fleeing passenger. The DIAS officers apprehended the 35-year-old suspect shortly after the search commenced in Nea Ionia. Law enforcement officers took the individual into custody and escorted him directly to the Nea Ionia Police Department. Police authorities compiled a formal criminal case against the 35-year-old man, charging him with grievous bodily harm and making criminal threats. The suspect remains in custody pending an appearance before the public prosecutor.
