Man Sought In Robbery, Stabbing Of Cabdriver

Mon., Oct. 30, 1995

From Staff And Wire Reports

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a suspect in the robbery and stabbing of a cabdriver this month, Spokane police said.

Eric A. Tauala, 24, is suspected of robbing a driver in the 600 block of South Laura on Oct. 19, police said. The warrant is for first-degree robbery.

The cabdriver was stabbed in the neck, and some cash was taken. Some time later, a telephone was stolen. Calls made from the phone were traced to Tauala, police said.

Police said Tauala has an extensive record of robbery, car theft, drugs, vehicle prowling, assault and disorderly conduct. In July, he was named as a suspect in the robbery of another cabdriver, police said.

He has 12 convictions and more than 50 arrests.

Tauala is 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

The driver suffered life-threatening injuries but survived.

Anyone with information on Tauala is asked to call Crime Check, 456-2233. , DataTimes

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