Two men were arrested Saturday evening for allegedly attacking a taxi driver and trying to steal his vehicle after a dispute over cab fare.
The incident took place a little 8:30 p.m. when the driver picked up the pair in North Vancouver and drove them to Mathias Road and Rivers Drive. On arrival, the men got into an argument with the cabbie, apparently telling him they didnt want to pay for the ride.
One of the passengers leaned into the drivers side and grabbed the victim around the neck and dragged him from the car before climbing into the drivers seat himself and attempting to put the taxi in gear, according to police. When the suspect was unable to get the car in drive, he allegedly scooped some cash from the front seat.
Police say the men then started yelling threats at the cabbie, saying they would kill him, and started to chase him and throw rocks.
Officers arrived on scene a few minutes later and tracked the men to a yard in the 200-block of Paitsmauk Avenue, a few blocks from the scene of the alleged assault, where they were arrested. A pat-down turned up the missing cash and a small amount of what investigators believe is cocaine, according to police. Investigators say the men appeared to be drunk.
One of the suspects, a 24-year-old with no fixed address, was held until he could appear in North Vancouver provincial court. The other, a 27-year-old from North Vancouver, was released by a justice of the peace.
Police are recommending charges of robbery, possession of stolen property, uttering threats, breaching an undertaking, and possession of controlled substance.
The cabbie was not seriously injured, according to police.
jweldon@nsnews.com
