DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- A local cab driver's arrest has prompted safety concerns after a man was robbed.

According to police, Michael Olensky had been driving a stolen cab before he was arrested on Thursday in connection with a theft.

Ray Branton, the victim in the theft, said Olensky robbed him of $1,100 and drove away in the cab.

"He reached out and grabbed my bag, wrestled down," said Branton.

According to officials, Olensky has a lengthy criminal record ranging from violent crimes to burglary and drugs charges. Yet, in spite of his felony arrest for aggravated battery last October, he was given a city-issued a permit to drive a cab in August.

City officials said a background check was conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, but that when the check was conducted, the aggravated battery charge had been reduced to a misdemeanor.

Daytona Police Chief Mike Chitwood said Olensky never should have been on the road, or in contact with the public on a daily basis.

"I think it's unconscionable," Chitwood said, "that we turn a scumbag on the streets, putting tourists at risk."

Now, Chitwood said he is working to ensure it never happens again.

"I think the police department needs to get involved," said Chitwood. "This is a huge public safety issue."

Police said they will be working closely with city permit officials in the future to help decide who qualifies for a taxi cab license and who does not.

Tourists have said they are uneasy since the crime, and many are calling for the taxi cab permit process to be changed.