Taxi driver attacked and bitten by passenger in Nea Ionia

In the early hours of Sunday, October 4, 2026, a 54-year-old female taxi driver was violently assaulted by a 35-year-old male passenger in Nea Ionia, Athens. The dispute began on Demirdesiou Street 12 over a failed transaction involving the vehicle's payment terminal (POS). During the altercation, the suspect physically attacked the driver, biting her and severing a portion of her right ear. Video footage captured the incident, showing the driver fleeing the vehicle while being chased and threatened by the assailant. The attack was brought to an end when a local resident intervened by steering their vehicle toward the suspect to obstruct him, allowing for his subsequent arrest.

The victim was transported to Elpis Hospital for medical treatment. The suspect now faces formal charges of grievous bodily harm and threatening behavior. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the motive behind the assault. In media interviews, the victim described the harrowing experience as resembling a scene from a cannibalistic horror film, noting the attacker's erratic behavior during the dispute over the card payment.