DUSHANBE, February 22, 2015, Asia-Plus -- A Russian officer has been detained in Tajikistan on suspicions of assaulting a taxi driver and stealing his vehicle, Radio Liberty’s Tajik Service reports.

Police in Dushanbe told RFE/RL on February 19 that Denis Borisenko, a senior lieutenant serving at Russia''s military base near Dushanbe, is suspected of severely beating local taxi driver Dilshod Khushov on January 24.

Investigators say Borisenko was drunk when he attacked Khushov and drove away in his car. Borisenko later hit another vehicle and was detained at the scene.

The incident could further fuel tensions between locals and Russian troops.

Two Russian officers are currently pending trial on charges of killing a Tajik taxi driver in August.

About 7,000 Russian soldiers serve in Tajikistan at three different sites.