ALBERT LEA — An Albert Lea man has been charged with aggravated robbery and fleeing police after he allegedly assaulted a taxi driver, took the cab and led officers on a chase early Saturday morning.

Quinten Duane Amos, 32, appeared in Freeborn County District Court Tuesday on the charges, both felonies.

Court records state Amos allegedly began striking the cab driver in the head about a block after he was picked up on Oakwood Terrace off of South Shore Drive in Albert Lea.

At one point, Amos allegedly tried to climb into the front seat, so the cab driver quickly stopped the cab and ran. As he ran, the driver called the taxi dispatcher saying he had been assaulted, then he ran to another vehicle for help.

Officers reportedly found Amos driving the cab near the intersection of Madison Avenue and Front Street going at least double the 30 mph speed limit even after police attempted to stop him.

He also reportedly drove through stop signs and a red light before pulling over on the wrong side of the road on Ermina Avenue.

The incident was caught on video in the cab.

In court Tuesday, Assistant Freeborn County Attorney David Walker read through a series of more than a dozen previous arrests from Amos, also calling him “a confirmed gang member” of the Gangster Disciples. His previous arrests included drug possession, theft, disorderly conduct, aggravated robbery and driving while intoxicated, among others.

“The current charge is a very serious matter,” Walker said.

Freeborn County District Court Judge Steve Schwab ordered Amos be held on an unconditional bail of $75,000 or a conditional bail of $35,000. Amos indicated he would agree to the conditions, though he thought he should be allowed to leave on his own recognizance.

He is next slated to appear in court on Jan. 28.

First-degree aggravated robbery carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $35,000 fine.