Bystander Slows Stolen Taxi by Hurling Beer Can at Window in B.C.
A dramatic carjacking unfolded in broad daylight on a busy street in New Westminster, British Columbia, as a taxi driver was attacked, and his cab was stolen and crashed into multiple vehicles.
Fortunately, a quick-thinking bystander took action to slow down the stolen taxi, potentially preventing further harm.
The incident began when the alleged carjacker assaulted a Royal City taxi driver before making off with the vehicle.
He proceeded to navigate through the bustling streets of New Westminster, recklessly maneuvering and colliding with several other cars.
Concerned witnesses immediately called the police to report the erratic driver’s dangerous actions.
Amid the chaos, Matthew Phillips, a former football player, decided to intervene.
Realizing the imminent threat posed by the car thief, Phillips improvised and grabbed a tall beer can he had on hand.
Without hesitation, he hurled the can at the driver’s window with precision, causing it to shatter.
The swift action caught the attention of law enforcement, who promptly arrived at the scene.
Within seconds, multiple police vehicles converged on the stolen taxi, effectively trapping the driver.
New Westminster SPD officers swiftly apprehended the suspect, subduing him and placing him under arrest.
The suspect was subsequently transported to the hospital for minor injuries sustained during the arrest.
Eyewitnesses praised Phillips’ bravery and expressed gratitude that no serious injuries were reported in the incident.
However, the shaken taxi driver who was assaulted and carjacked is now recovering from the traumatic experience.
The motive behind the carjacking remains unknown, and the police are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist with their investigation.
Royal City Taxi, the company to which the stolen cab belonged, confirmed that the assaulted driver is physically shaken but is expected to recover.
The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers faced by those in the transportation industry and the importance of community vigilance in preventing and addressing such incidents.
Authorities are continuing their inquiries into the events leading up to the carjacking, during the incident itself, and the aftermath.
They are urging anyone who witnessed anything relevant to the case to contact the police with any information that could aid their investigation.
As the investigation unfolds, the community remains grateful for the intervention of the courageous bystander who took decisive action to slow down the stolen taxi, potentially preventing further harm to innocent bystanders and motorists.
