A 72-year-old taxi driver was robbed and punched after he’d been dispatched to Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow overnight, authorities say.

Police said the driver was picking up 23-year-old James Ely, of Baldwin, who became “irate” when he was told how much the ride would cost, and that he had to pay before transport.

The taxi driver left the car, and police said Ely followed and threw an “unknown liquid” on him. According to court documents, Ely then punched the driver five times in the head and chest, causing him pain.

Ely allegedly stole the driver’s phone and fled. Police said they discovered him hiding behind a Mavis located near the hospital.

Ely is charged with robbery in the third degree.

Following his court appearance, he told News 12 that he didn’t pour an unknown liquid on the victim and claimed that the driver wouldn’t let him use his phone to get the money for the fare, and claimed it was the driver who became aggressive.