A British tourist was arrested in Bali after he allegedly attacked a taxi driver, sparking the anger of dozens of locals who chased him and beat him with improvised weapons before police intervened to restore order.
According to the Daily Mail, the incident took place on Thursday morning in a car park in the Bandung area, and involved 30-year-old Brandon Joseph. According to reports, Joseph unprovokedly attacked 31-year-old driver Herlido Emanuel Nino after he offered him a ride, noting that the Brit looked “confused” once he got out of a white van.
How the beating began
Nino allegedly asked Joseph why he hit him, with the tourist attacking him again without any warning, hitting him causing him serious injuries, according to what a local police spokesman told the detikBali news agency.”The attacker hit the victim again on the lips until the victim’s front teeth were broken,” the spokesman said.
Video from the scene shows Nino, wearing a red T-shirt and with blood streaming from his face, standing idly by as other local cabbies attacked the half-naked Joseph, who was wearing only black shorts. In the confusion, another man in a torn shirt tried to flee while Joseph, after being confronted by the crowd, ran towards the white van, which the locals began stoning.
Police intervention and arrests
Shortly afterwards, police arrived at the scene and arrested Joseph. According to local police, Joseph was initially taken to Bali Jibaran Hospital for medical evaluation before being taken to the police station for questioning.
Investigation into the circumstances of the incident
Authorities are investigating the cause of the altercation, and photos show Joseph with a bandage on his head outside the police station. According to reports, the Briton was staying in Kangoo, a popular coastal area of Bali known for its spectacular coastline.
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