WATCH ABOVE: The RCMP has initiated an official public complaint in connection to the assault of a Calgary cab driver. It follows a series of Global News reports on the abuse two years after it occurred. Global’s Nancy Hixt reports.
WARNING: This story contains graphic content. Discretion is advised.
CALGARY – The RCMP is investigating its handling of an alleged assault against a Calgary cab driver two years ago.
“It’s really a big relief,” cab driver Sardar Qayyum told Global News.
Global News exposed a shocking, racist rant from a passenger captured by dashboard video belonging to Qayyum. The passenger has been identified as Chad Pasloski, who was fired from his Airdrie job last week as a result of the incident. Pasloski has not responded to a request for comment from Global News. His lawyer did not immediately return a request for comment on Thursday.
READ MORE: Cab passenger who verbally attacked Calgary driver fired
Qayyum said Friday he was devastated after several media outlets reported he was paid close to $10,000 after the alleged assault. Global News confirmed a separate insurance claim was made by Checker Cabs for damages in the amount of just over $9,000. Qayyum said he turned down financial compensation several times, and only took money for damages from an RCMP officer who was closing the case.
“He thinks I’m a cheater and he is showing this to the public. I never had a clue about this,” said the cab driver.
“He’s saying $10,000. Whatever the company pays, I don’t know. They never told me. I got $900 that the RCMP lady gave to me.”
Global News confirmed Friday an RCMP officer gave Qayyum an envelope with $900 in cash on the day he was told charges would not be laid against Pasloski. RCMP did not comment on why no charges were laid initially.
READ MORE: ‘I got $900 the RCMP lady gave me’: Calgary cab driver allegedly abused by passenger
The RCMP said officers met with Qayyum on Wednesday. As a result, an independent senior RCMP officer from outside the Airdrie Detachment will investigate and report findings to RCMP senior management. The new investigation will explore whether criminal charges should be laid as well as the handling of the case by RCMP.
“I am hoping everything will go smooth,” said Qayyum. “That’s what I was expecting 20 months ago.
“I’m hoping that guy will be charged in the court, that RCMP will press the charges.”
Qayyum will receive written updates each month and a final letter at the end of the investigation. That letter will be submitted to the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission (CRCC) and Qayum can ask the commission to review the case if he’s not satisfied with the outcome.
“Based on my meeting with Mr. Qayyum, we have initiated the formal Public Complaint Process, which is the best way for him to get the answers he is looking for,” said Supt. Tony Hamori, Assistant Southern Alberta District Commander in a statement. “He has also been advised that the RCMP criminal investigation into the alleged assault will be sent to Crown counsel for their review to determine if criminal charges are warranted.”
RCMP said the agency is not providing further comment at this time.
Watch below: Full video coverage of the disturbing and graphic video of a passenger launching a vicious verbal and racist attack on a Calgary cab driver. Global’s Nancy Hixt reports.
Comments