A man is facing charges after allegedly attempting to extort a woman trying to retrieve her phone from his taxi.

On Wednesday morning, a 23-year-old woman forgot her phone in a cab. When she tried to retrieve it, she told police the driver requested money for the phone. Trying to grab it, the driver then drove off, dragging her along. She was minorly injured.

Alerting the police, they arrived at the St. John's neighbourhood after 10 a.m., arresting the 51-year-old cab driver.

His charges include:

  • Extortion
  • Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance/Vehicle
  • Drive carelessly (Highway Traffic Act)
  • Fail to exercise due care for a pedestrian on a highway (Highway Traffic Act)

He is released on an Undertaking. The Winnipeg Police Service says this is mandated by the Criminal Code. 

This is the second cab driver facing charges over the course of month after young women were injured during interactions with drivers.