Hate crime, other charges dismissed against banker

STAMFORD, Conn. (AP) — A judge has thrown out charges against an investment banker from Connecticut accused of a hate crime against a New York City cab driver.

The case was dismissed in Stamford Superior Court Monday against William Jennings.

The Darien resident was accused of cutting the driver's hand with a pen knife after refusing to pay the $204 fare from Manhattan to Darien last December.

The Stamford Advocate reported a prosecutor said police were unable to find the knife, but the driver had it.

Hassan Ahmad, the driver's attorney, said his client told the prosecutor he had the knife and was outraged the charges were dismissed.

Jennings' attorney, Eugene Riccio, says the driver unlawfully restrained Jennings. He says Jennings brandished the knife to try to escape and the driver grabbed the knife.