San Francisco, CA – San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced today that her office secured a conviction of Antonio Jones (29), after a trial by jury, for attacking and refusing to pay a taxi driver. Mr. Jones was convicted of battery (PC 242), obtaining money, property, labor or services by false pretenses (PC 532(a)) and resisting, obstructing or delaying a peace officer (PC 148(a)(1)).

“The jury’s verdict holds Mr. Jones accountable and sends a message that this conduct will not be tolerated in San Francisco,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “My office takes these cases seriously as taxi drivers, like everyone else, should expect to feel safe when doing their jobs.”

According to the testimony and evidence presented at trial, at 10:18 p.m., on January 30, 2026, Mr. Jones and a wonan took a taxi to Berkeley from San Francisco. Once in Berkeley, Mr. Jones and the woman got out of the taxi without making any attempt to pay. The driver thought they both might be paying with a voucher, so he went inside the store and asked if the store provides vouchers. The store said no. The driver waited for Mr. Jones and the woman to come back outside. When they came back outside, Mr. Jones and the woman walked right past the driver, got back in the taxi and then asked to be taken back to San Francisco. Once in San Francisco, Mr. Jones and the woman got out of the car at the same time and left without paying for the ride to and from Berkeley. The driver tried to prevent Mr. Jones from leaving and grabbed his jacket. Mr. Jones then bit, punched, and hit the driver. Community members called 9-1-1 and directed a motorcycle officer to the scene. The officer attempted to de-escalate the situation, but Mr. Jones ran away. The officer then caught up with Mr. Jones, and as he was placing him in handcuffs, Mr. Jones tried to run away a second time.

The case against Mr. Jones was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney James Filling with assistance from District Attorney Investigators Ted Martin and Damon Gilbert, and paralegals Raquel Paz and Nohemi Torres. Prosecutors were able to develop a strong case against Mr. Jones based on the work of officers from the San Francisco Police Department’s Central Station and members of the public who called 9-1-1- and alerted San Francisco Police to the incident unfolding on the street.

“I’m grateful for the jury’s careful considerations of the facts and the courage the victim exhibited in testifying,” said Assistant District Attorney James Filling. This case is an excellent example of our community coming together to help one another. Thank you to everyone involved.”

Mr. Jones is currently not in custody. Sentencing is scheduled for June 30, 2026.

Court Number: 26402834

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