Kelowna, British Columbia — A taxi driver sustained serious injuries during a violent early morning assault while on the job Tuesday. Jarmanpreet Singh, who had just begun his second shift with Kelowna Cabs, was attacked with a knife that he described as “arm-sized,” leaving him with significant wounds to his hands and leg.
Singh recounted the traumatic experience, stating, “I was very scared. I thought I was going to die there after seeing the knife.” Dashcam footage from the taxi captured a portion of the incident, which highlighted the alarming moment when the assailant slashed Singh’s wrist.
The altercation began shortly after midnight outside O’Flannigan’s Pub, when Singh picked up two passengers, a young man and woman believed to be teenagers. The fare was approximately $10, but the male passenger handed Singh a $100 bill. Confusion arose over the change, as Singh informed the passenger he could only provide $75. The passenger suggested that Singh keep the difference, leaving the driver feeling uneasy.
As the taxi moved, Singh noticed the female passenger repeatedly trying to access the larger bill tucked inside the vehicle’s console. When Singh threatened to call the police, they abruptly exited the taxi at a stop sign. Moments later, Singh found himself confronted by the same young passengers, now accompanied by another man wielding the weapon.
Singh expressed concern that the knife-wielding attacker was not the same individual who initially paid for the ride. Fellow drivers and the local community have rallied around Singh, with Roy Paulson, a long-time driver at Kelowna Cabs, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. “It could have been worse,” Paulson said, adding that, while Singh’s injuries are severe, they are not life-threatening.
Fortunately, another taxi driver nearby witnessed the attack and called for help, aiding in the swift response from authorities. Singh is currently awaiting surgery and is expected to be out of work for an extended period, posing a significant financial burden for him as he supports his family back in India.
With his future in the job uncertain, Singh voiced a growing apprehension about safety in the profession. “I don’t think it’s safe anymore,” he stated, reflecting on the traumatic experience.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have confirmed one arrest related to the attack and are actively seeking additional witnesses to aid in their investigation. As the story develops, both Singh’s colleagues and the local community remain steadfast in their support for him, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures for drivers.