Kelowna, British Columbia — A taxi driver was left with serious injuries following a violent encounter early Tuesday morning that has left the local community shaken. Jarmanpreet Singh, just starting his second shift with Kelowna Cabs, was attacked with a knife by a group of young passengers shortly after midnight.
Singh, 25, sustained multiple slash wounds to his hands and leg during the incident, which he described as terrifying. He recalled feeling like he was fighting for his life after seeing the weapon. “I was very scared,” he said. Dashcam footage from Singh’s taxi captured a portion of the attack, showing him desperately trying to fend off the assailants.
The altercation began outside O’Flannigan’s Pub, involving a young man and woman, both appearing to be teenagers. Initially, a man with no apparent connection to the pair paid Singh using a $100 bill for a ride that would typically cost around $10. When Singh informed the man that he could provide only $75 in change, the man took the change but indicated that Singh could keep the remainder.
As Singh drove away, the young woman can be seen in the dashcam footage attempting to grab the $100 bill from the taxi’s console. Following unsuccessful attempts to retrieve the money, Singh threatened to call the police, prompting the duo to exit the taxi. Shortly thereafter, they, along with another man armed with a knife, approached Singh once more.
Singh later expressed uncertainty regarding the identity of the knife-wielder, suspecting he was not the man who initially paid the fare. “Everybody’s heart goes out to him,” said Roy Paulson, a longtime driver with Kelowna Cabs, commenting on Singh’s injuries. He noted that the situation could have been much worse.
Paulson, along with Singh’s colleagues, has rallied to support the injured driver, highlighting how Singh never had an opportunity to call for help during the attack. Fortunately, another taxi driver in the vicinity witnessed the incident and called the authorities, while the three assailants fled the scene.
Singh is currently awaiting surgery and is expected to be out of work for several months. This situation has placed a heavy burden on him, as he is responsible for supporting his family back in India. Even after he recovers, he is uncertain whether he will return to the driving profession, stating, “I don’t think it’s safe anymore.”
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have announced one arrest related to the incident and are investigating further, seeking additional witnesses to come forward.