Story By: Angjela Trajkovska, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News

Video Credit: CEN

This is the moment a nerves-of-steel cabbie keeps his cool and refuses to fight back as he is pummelled by the son of a high-ranking government official even though he reportedly had a gun in his car.

The incident took place in the northern Croatian capital Zagreb when 23-year-old suspect Ante Botica got into the unnamed driver’s taxi with some pals.

The 51-year-old cabbie explained: “During the ride, the young man was aggressive towards the other passengers in the back seat.

Picture Credits: CEN

“When I arrived at their destination, the man refused to leave the car. I dialled 911 and asked him if it was really necessary for me to call the police to remove him from my vehicle.

“He suddenly grabbed me by the neck and it started like that. I managed to get out of the car, but he continued to attack me.”

The incident was recorded by two eyewitnesses in another car who were reportedly heard laughing while filming it.

In the two-minute footage, Botica is seen repeatedly punching the stocky cabbie who does not appear to fight back.

The taxi driver enters his cab and reportedly brandishes a gun, but the aggressor continues to kick and punch him.

According to local media, the cabbie even fired his gun into the air once, but it still did not stop Botica from attacking him.

The emergency services arrived on the scene and it reportedly took four cops to prevent the suspect from beating the driver.

Meanwhile, the cabbie was taken to a nearby hospital in an ambulance with multiple injuries.

Reports said that the suspect was arrested, but released soon afterwards.

The injured driver said: “For me, it’s incredible they set him free without even issuing a restraining order.”

According to local media, the suspect’s father is Krizan Botica who works in the Department of General Affairs for the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds. 

The official refused to comment to local media regarding his son’s action or if he had any influence in his release.

Meanwhile, the police investigation is ongoing.

Netizen ‘Zeljko Zebic’ commented: “I would have shot him in the kneecaps so he would always remember me.”

‘Josip Filipan’ said: “Just another drunk, drugged up idiot. He was lucky to be dealing with someone with nerves of steel, most people would have shot him in the head after the second punch without thinking twice.”