Eotm / Universal Wave Radio

Six American tourists in Antigua were charged with assault and malicious damage after refusing to pay a cab fare they thought was excessive and later scuffling with police officers. The defendants — were released on $5,000 bail Monday and are expected to enter pleas during a court appearance Wednesday. Their hometowns were not immediately available. The tourists, who were visiting the Caribbean island on a cruise ship stopover, refused to pay a driver who gave them a tour Friday because they believed they were being overcharged, according to police. The driver charged $50 for a tour ending at a beach, and the dispute started when he told them he would have to double the fee to take them back, police said. A fight broke out after the driver drove them to a police station, and two officers were allegedly injured. A defense lawyer, Steadroy Benjamin, said the group will challenge the charges of malicious damage, assault and wounding the police officers. The Carnival Cruise Lines ship left without them. St