GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Ethiopian immigrant Yemaj Adem has worked five years in Grand Rapids as a cab driver and never experienced rage from a fare like he did Saturday.

"People have gotten angry before but they've never punched me," he said.

The man yelled "Trump, Trump, Trump" as he was using both hands to punch Adem in the early morning hours of Saturday, Nov. 12, the cab driver said.

Grand Rapids police photo of injured cab driver.

Grand Rapids police are investigating the assault as a potential case of ethnic intimidation and are looking for five women who were in the cab just prior to the alleged assault. Police say they could have vital witness information.

Adem had picked up the women at The B.O.B. at Monroe Avenue NW at Fulton Street and a man jumped into the front passenger seat at the same time. He figured the man was with the women at first, but later discovered otherwise.

He dropped the women off at Straight Avenue and Fulton Street and the man offered to pay their $6.50 fare. He then asked to be taken to a Leonard Street location and wanted to give Adem $10 for both fares.

Adem told him it wouldn't be enough money and the man became angry.

"The first punch, I was surprised," he said, recounting the attack. "I've never experienced this from a fare. Five years now and I've never had an issue.

"When I heard that Trump word, I knew this was something different," he said.

Adem said the man appeared drunk.

Adem stopped the cab and jumped out to escape the assault. He said the man also got out and lay on the ground.

Adem was then able to get back into the cab and drive away. He quickly found a police cruiser and the other man was arrested for assault and battery.

While in a police cruiser, the suspect made racially derogatory comments toward Adem, police say.

Grand Rapids police photo of injured cab driver.

Adem had a bruise on his head and a cut to his ear. He did not require hospital treatment.

Adem described the encounter as "bizarre." He hopes it was an isolated incident.

"I understand there's a few people that have been brainwashed with hate speech," he said. "And I'm not labeling everyone like this guy, but there are some out there.

"That was the first thing that went through my mind when he started punching. This was one of the hateful guys," he said.

He said the encounter will make him more cautious.

"Now I'm more aware of where I'm going and who I'm picking up," he said.