Topsail to host benefit for injured cab driver

TOPSAIL ISLAND, NC (WWAY) — The small community of Topsail Island is stepping up in a big way to help raise money for the taxi cab driver beaten up by a passenger.

Charles Hawkesworth suffered severe facial injuries after the attack by Marine Gunnery Sgt. John Adam Kinosh caught on camera. To help with Hawkesworth’s medical bills, the community is hosting the Sand Band Bar Crawl this weekend.

Hunga Bunga Java is kicking off the event with coffee for participants and taking donations.

“This is a small community so everybody is close knit and when it effects one of ours, people just started getting together,” said Hunga Bunga Java Owner Kari Krywy.

More than a few thousand dollars has already been raised, donated from people all over the world. Folks can enjoy 10 different bars and live music from Sunday 2-8 p.m.