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Police investigating after taxi driver slashed during robbery attempt

On Tuesday December 15, 2015, just shortly before 11:30pm the Hamilton Police responded to reports of a taxi driver had just been assaulted by a passenger that was armed with a knife making demands for cash.

Police responded into the area in search of the suspect with the assistance of the Hamilton Police Canine unit.

The man driving the taxi was rushed to hospital with the assistance of Hamilton Paramedics where he was treated for a non-life threatening injury caused by the knife and is expected to recovery from the injuries sustained during the incident.

Investigation revealed that the man had taken a taxi from the James Street North area between Rebecca Street and Robert Street in the downtown area just prior to the incident.

Once arriving in the area of 515 Queen Victoria Drive the suspect produced a knife and attempted to rob the taxi driver of cash. The suspect used the knife to assault the driver before running away from the taxi without stealing anything.

Detectives have been investigating since the incident took place and have obtained digital images and video that is now being released to the public in hopes of identifying the suspect.

Images will also be available on the Hamilton Police Facebook page and YouTube Channel

Suspect Description

Male, black, approximately 25 years old. Wearing a dark coloured winter coat with fur around the hood area.

Police are reminding the public to call 9-1-1 and to never approach anyone who may be observed with a weapon.

Detectives in the Criminal Investigation Branch are asking anyone with information to call them. Detective Kevin Heyink can be reached at 905-546-2389. Please leave a message with your contact information and Detectives will call you back. If you have information and wish to remain anonymous you can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit tips online at http://crimestoppershamilton.com

Hamilton Police and community partners team up to address the growing concern of stunt driving in the city by encouraging residents to 'Take it to the Track.'