Surly cab driver pulls cop from post, directs traffic

Cab driver surnamed Wang directs traffic with a stick after forcing a woman officer from her post at an intersection in Xuzhou, Jiangsu province on July 2. Photo: Modern Express

A cab driver in Xuzhou, Jiangsu province who forced a traffic cop from her post and proceeded to direct traffic for 20 minutes was let off with a stern warning on July 2.

Officers found the husky cabbie, surnamed Wang, standing on a traffic platform at the intersection of Zhongshan Road and Huaihai Road.

"I'm off now that you're here," said Wang to a policeman as he stepped from the platform.

Photos posted online show the shirtless and fully tattooed Wang directing traffic with a stick and smoking a cigarette.

Witnesses said Wang, who is in his fourties, first drove around the traffic post before parking beside the platform, pulling the woman officer down and directing traffic himself.

Wang had first approached the traffic policewoman to ask for directions, said witnesses.

Police arrived and lectured Wang before letting him drive off.

Wang has worked at the taxi company for six years, where he has received positive reports for his service such as not charging the elderly and children in need of a ride, said his company's manager surnamed Li.

However, this is not the first time Wang has exhibited strange behavior. He has reportedly made stops during his shift to burn paper money offerings and kowtow on the side of the road, said Li.

Xuzhou transportation authorities are investigating the case. An employee with the transportation department said all drivers are subjected to annual medical checkups.

Wang was unavailable for comment.