Three people are facing charges after police said a Saskatoon taxi driver was assaulted and robbed.
Saskatoon police found the injured 55-year-old man in the 200-block of Avenue V South just after 3 a.m. CT on Jan. 4.
Ghias Khan, a United Cabs driver with more than 10 years’ experience, was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
A 22-year-old man from Turtleford, a 19-year-old Saskatoon woman and a 20-year-old woman from Onion Lake were arrested in the near vicinity.
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Police said the three people had been passengers in the cab.
Malik Draz, president of United Steelworkers Local 2014, told Global News Khan’s injuries were to his face and neck.
After speaking with police at the hospital, Draz said the driver is “out of danger … but still, he will be suffering from stress and other problems.”
“All you need is one bad customer to ruin your life,” Draz said.
The union representing Saskatoon taxi drivers has unsuccessfully lobbied for changes to the city’s taxi bylaw, which would have included mandatory safety shields in vehicles.
Another option floated was a flashing amber light on the exterior of the vehicle, which drivers could activate if in distress.
All Saskatoon taxis have a panic button for drivers.
Draz also wants to see taxi drivers covered by the Workers’ Compensation Board.
Members of the forensic identification and general investigative units are assisting with the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Saskatoon police at 306-975-8300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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