Hammer attack on cabbie has industry on edge
A leader in Winnipeg’s taxi industry is calling for people to come forward with information after one of his drivers was attacked by a man with a hammer. The 26-year-old […]
A taxi industry leader in Winnipeg has called for information regarding a recent assault involving a hammer-wielding assailant on one of his drivers. The 26-year-old cabbie, who remains hospitalized in unstable condition, was attacked while en route to pick up a passenger. The incident occurred early Saturday morning, according to Unicity Taxi general manager Abhishek Tara.
Police were alerted after a passerby noticed the taxi's emergency light system was activated. Upon arrival, officers located the driver at Nairn Avenue and Watt Street. The assailant reportedly became offended during their conversation and attacked the driver with a hammer. The driver managed to roll up his window, but the assault continued as he attempted to drive away.
Tara emphasized the growing concern over the safety of taxi drivers, citing recent incidents such as a punched driver at the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport and two cabs at Kildonan Place mall being sprayed with an unknown substance. Protective measures, including a passenger and driver shield, audio and video recording, and an emergency button, are in place. Tara also suggested a direct communication method between taxi supervisors and police units to expedite emergency responses.
Anyone with information or video footage of the incident is urged to contact the major crimes unit at 204-986-6219 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 204-786-8477.
Written by urgent.news from Winnipeg Free Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
