Teen Arrested After Alleged Stabbing of Vancouver Taxi Driver Over Fare Dispute

A 16-year-old boy from Richmond, B.C., is in custody after allegedly stabbing a taxi driver in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside following a dispute over payment, police said.

The incident happened Tuesday night near Main and Hastings, an area known for high crime rates. An off-duty Vancouver Police officer witnessed the stabbing around 9:30 p.m. and immediately intervened, arresting the suspect on the spot.

What Happened?

According to VPD spokesperson Steve Addison, the teen had been a passenger in the taxi, and when they arrived at the destination, a "dispute" over payment ensued.

"As a result of that dispute, the cab driver was stabbed," Addison said, without providing further details on the nature of the disagreement.

The 59-year-old driver was rushed to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released.

Teen Facing Charges

The 16-year-old remains in custody, and VPD says they are recommending a charge of aggravated assault.

The investigation is ongoing, and police have not disclosed whether the suspect had a prior criminal record or if any weapons were recovered at the scene.

Concerns for Driver Safety

The attack has raised concerns over the safety of taxi drivers, particularly in high-crime areas like the Downtown Eastside. Drivers are often targets of assaults and robberies, leading to calls for increased safety measures such as partition barriers, panic buttons, and cashless payment options.

What’s Next?

The suspect is expected to appear in court soon, and more details about the case may emerge as the Crown decides on formal charges.