SAN CLEMENTE : Taxi Firm Accused of Overcharging

The owner of a taxicab company and one of his drivers have been arrested on suspicion of overcharging customers, police reported Thursday.

Sharad Patel, 32, of San Clemente, the owner of Kelly Cab Co., and John E. Lewis, 43, also of San Clemente, a driver, were booked Wednesday for investigation of theft and various alleged violations of the Municipal Code.

The investigation into the taxi company was prompted by calls from customers and complaints of overcharging, authorities said. Undercover officers say they were charged as much as $5 over the legal rate for a 6-mile trip.

Kelly Cab Co. has been ordered not to operate any of its four vehicles until proper inspections have been made. Police said none of the cabs have permits to operate in San Clemente at this time.