Jarmanpreet Singh was only on his second day of the job when he was stabbed several times while driving a taxi cab in downtown 麻豆精选.
According to Roy Paulson, an employee of 麻豆精选 Cabs and a spokesperson for the taxi industry, the incident happened just after midnight on Sept. 2.
“He had picked up two passengers downtown, who had been paid for by another person on the street who only had $100 for what was to be a $10 cab ride,” explained Paulson.
Unfortunately, Singh only had $75 change; however, the person who paid for the passengers' ride reportedly didn’t mind and took the change before putting the two people in the cab, said Paulson.
He added that cab driver's are usually only allowed to keep $40 on them at all times while working.
According to Paulson, there was an altercation in the cab where the passengers wanted to take the $100, but then ended up jumping out of the vehicle.
Paulson said Singh reported the incident to his 麻豆精选 Cabs' dispatch and returned downtown.
That is when Singh was allegedly stopped on Water Street and Bernard Avenue by two people who were banging on the window, demanding the $100.
“They opened his door and he was stabbed with a large knife in the arm and leg,” said Paulson.
麻豆精选 RCMP are investigating the incident, and an arrest has been made in connection with the assault.
"Investigators are looking for any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police to contact the 麻豆精选 RCMP non-emergency line at 250-762-3300 and reference file #2025-52851,” said Cpl. Allison Konsmo.
Singh was taken to the hospital, where he received more than 30 stitches and is currently awaiting surgery. Capital News has reached out to Interior Health and a the health authority is working on a response.
麻豆精选 - Mission MLA Gavin Dew took to social media to speak about the incident.
"I was shocked, but not surprised," Dew told Capital News. "Sadly, this is the kind of incident that we've come to expect on a weekly or even daily basis."
The MLA said there needs to be more action from the provincial government to address root causes like mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness.
"We are just exhausted of hearing these stories," Dew said on behalf of the community. "We're exhausted of having to walk with caution on streets that used to be safe. We're exhausted of worrying about our kids, our parents being at risk."
This story has been updated with comments from 麻豆精选-Mission MLA Gavin Dew.
