A Windsor cab driver sustained serious injuries after his taxi was allegedly stolen during a payment dispute Sunday night, according to police.
Incident Details
Police responded to a report of a vehicle theft shortly after 9 p.m. on May 31 in the area of McDougall Street and Chatham Street East. Investigators determined that a passenger had been arguing with the driver over the fare cost.
The situation escalated when the passenger kicked the taxi. The driver exited the vehicle to confront the individual, at which point the suspect climbed into the driver's seat and put the car in reverse.
The driver, standing beside the cab, was knocked to the ground and suffered serious injuries. The suspect then fled in the stolen taxi, running through traffic signals at a high rate of speed.
Response and Arrest
Paramedics transported the driver to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Officers located the stolen vehicle parked near Ouellette Avenue and Chatham Street East within 30 minutes. The suspect, a 58-year-old male, was arrested in the 900 block of Pelissier Street.
He faces charges of robbery and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm.
Police Appeal
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Windsor Police Service major crimes unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4830. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at catchcrooks.com.
