Witness Appeal in Taxi Cab Robbery

Region of Peel - Investigators from the Central Robbery Bureau are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect and obtaining dashcam video in a taxi cab robbery that occurred in the City of Mississauga. 

On Thursday, February 25, 2021, at approximately 8:45 p.m., the victim, a 52 year-old man was operating a taxi cab and picked up a fare in the area of City Centre Drive near Robert Speck Parkway in Mississauga. At approximately 9:00 p.m., the driver travelled to the area of Hurontario Street near Cook Street in Mississauga.

The investigation has revealed that at some point, the suspect brandished a knife and made a demand for cash. He then proceeded to stab the victim and then fled the area on foot. The victim was transported to a trauma centre where his injuries were considered serious but non-life threatening. The suspect was last seen running eastbound through a large commercial plaza lot and running across Hurontario Street.

The suspect is described as male, black, in his 30’s, has a large build and was wearing all dark clothing and a dark coloured mask.

Investigators are appealing to anyone with dashcam video that may have been on the south side of the Square One Shopping Centre between 8:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.. It is believed that the suspect had been walking eastbound on the pedestrian walkway, along the entire south side of the mall before entering the taxi.

Anyone with dashcam video from this area or any information on this incident is asked to call investigators at the Central Robbery Bureau at (905) 453–2121, Ext. 3410. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca .

Peel Regional Police offer several helpful robbery crime prevention tips for taxi cab or ride-share operators to reduce potential victimization:

• Remain calm
• Do not resist a robbery. Your safety is a priority over your property
• Leave the area, if safe to do so and contact police
• Hide and limit cash on hand
• Place bags in the trunk
• Take notice of the fare’s features, clothing, demeanor
• Act on your instincts
• Advise dispatch of change in location/unannounced fares
• Do not accept passengers who cannot provide a destination
• Park in active, well lit areas during down times
• Be aware of 24 hr businesses, in case help is needed
• Consider having in-car video surveillance systems along with safety dividers or partitions

For media inquiries, please contact the on-duty Media Relations Officer at (905) 453-2121, ext. 4027.

Subscribe to us on YouTube and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Inc. #210071089

N/R: 21-053

Peel Regional Police – A Safer Community Together