A Guelph man faces several charges after a taxi was stolen and then crashed Friday evening.
Just after 8:30 p.m., Guelph Police Service officers were called to a collision on the property of Guelph General Hospital. Investigation revealed a taxi had just picked up a passenger when a male got into the front passenger seat and demanded to be taken to an address. The cabbie refused as he already had a passenger on board.
When the taxi driver went to seek assistance from hospital security, the man climbed into the driver’s seat. The rear-seat passenger noticed what was going on and exited the vehicle.
The taxi accelerated quickly, sideswiping another vehicle and then striking a curb, causing it to briefly become airborne before hitting a hydro pole. Both vehicles received significant damage. The accused sustained minor injuries.
A 29-year-old Guelph man is charged with theft of motor vehicle, dangerous operation and impaired operation.