Man charged after allegedly stealing taxi with passenger still inside

A Regina man is facing charges after allegedly stealing a taxi cab with a passenger still inside.

Regina police were dispatched to the area of 12th Avenue and Winnipeg Street around 7:40 p.m. Tuesday to respond to the report of a stolen vehicle in progress.

Police say early information on the incident suggested a taxi cab had been stolen and driven a short distance before the suspect fled.

The taxi was located with its driver and a passenger when police arrived at the scene. An investigation into the incident revealed the taxi had been dropping off a passenger at a residence on Winnipeg Street when, as the driver exited the cab to assist the passenger, a male suspect approached the vehicle and got inside.

Police say a struggle ensued between the driver and the suspect and the driver exited the cab. The suspect then drove the vehicle away with the passenger still in the back seat.

The suspect only drove the taxi for a short distance before colliding with a tree. He then ran from the cab.

There were no injuries as a result of the incident.

Police located a man who matched the suspect’s description in the area and arrested him without incident.

The suspect, 30, has been charged with robbery. He was also charged with one count of mischief under $5,000 relating to an earlier, separate incident on July 20, 2021.

The man made his first appearance in provincial court at 2 p.m. Wednesday.