Cabbie allegedly threatened

A TAXI driver was allegedly threatened with a knife on Ross River Rd yesterday morning after collecting two passengers from Upper Ross.

The incident happened about 3am after the driver collected a man and woman who wanted to go to the Vale Hotel in Aitkenvale.

Acting Senior Sergeant Robert Dusha said during the journey, the pair began arguing with one another.

“The driver stopped on Ross River Rd … and the passengers got out of the vehicle and continued the fight,” he said.

“The taxi driver asked for payment on the fare at this time.”

The male then produced a small flick knife and allegedly threatened the driver.

An ambulance passing by noticed the scene and pulled over, causing both passengers to flee.

Sen- Sgt Dusha said police were alerted and used a dog to track and arrest the offender.

Townsville Taxi general manager Angela Rheeders said the driver was left shaken.

“The driver was obviously shocked,” she said.

“He is now OK and continued to drive after the incident as he was not injured.”

Ms Rheeders said the incident was unacceptable.

“Criminals just have blatant disregard for everyone in our community,” she said.

“The fact our drivers are exposed to this sort of behaviour is horrendous.

“I just wish these people would leave our community and go anywhere else.”

She said taxi drivers worked in a safe environment with a local call centre able to track their location at any time.

“We are prepared as we can be and the driver is protected to a point,” Ms Rheeders said.

“I’d like to thank the community and the police services and ambulances for being so prompt in coming to the driver’s aid.”

A 26- year- old man from Aitkenvale has been charged with evade fare and going armed as to cause fear and will face court today.