DNA From Cigarette Leads To Arrest In 2006 Cabbie Beating

CLEVELAND -- It's taken two years, but an unsolved case is getting new life this week because of DNA testing.

A Cleveland cab driver has waited 26 months for someone to be arrested for beating him in the head and stealing his money, and the wait may be over thanks to the suspect's smoking habit.

Charles Johnstone was arrested Tuesday after being indicted on numerous charges. He showed up in arraignment court after being summoned.

Police said he and another man picked up a cab in April 2006 on Cleveland's west side.

They allegedly asked the driver to take them downtown, but halfway there, they told Issa Chbani to pull over, police said.

The cabbie did, and that's when to duo pulled a knife and gun, demanding cash, police said.

Chbani handed over $155 but police said Johnstone beat him in the head with the butt of the gun.

Police said Johnstone lit a cigarette during the ride and left his DNA on the cigarette butt.

Police said Johnstone is charged with aggravated robbery, assault and kidnapping.

According to police, the reason why it took two years is that the system is backed up and murders and rapes take precedence.