Taxi driver stabbed on the job in Ontario

A taxi driver was stabbed while on the job in St. Catharines early Friday morning.

Police were called after the driver arrived at the St. Catharines Hospital emergency room with stab wounds at approximately 1:45 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 16, Niagara Regional Police said.

The male taxi driver told officers he had been stabbed by a fare, police said. 

Police said they recovered a weapon on Welland Canal Parkway in St. Catharines, south of Glendale Avenue.

The driver was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and is recovering in hospital, police said.

Police arrested two people and said they do not believe that there is any ongoing risk to public safety.

Daniel Ibarra Vargas, 29, of Thorold, is charged with aggravated assault and uttering threats.

Vargas remains in custody and is scheduled to attend a bail hearing on Friday.

The other suspect was released unconditionally.

The scene on Welland Canal Parkway was processed and has since been reopened.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Niagara Regional Police at 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009865

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.

Lead photo: Efrem Efre