Taxi driver in hospital after attack
A cabbie has been rushed to hospital following an alleged assault and robbery in northeastern Queensland.
Police say they were called to Pimlico about 4.15am over reports the driver was attacked attempting to prevent a passenger from fare evading.
The alleged culprit, a 23-year-old Hughenden man, was arrested nearby after leaving the scene on foot.
He has been charged with armed robbery and unlawful possession of a weapon and will face court on Monday, A Queensland Police spokesman said.
The driver was taken to hospital where he remains in a stable condition with head injuries.
Last month, Australia’s largest taxi company, 13cabs, launched a new safety campaign after a major spike in driver assaults and abuse.
“You can see from the figures it’s getting more frequent and we are alarmed,” 13cabs chief operating officer Olivia Barry said.
“This escalation of more aggressive behaviour, more physical assaults – it’s getting worse every weekend. Literally every weekend.”
According to the data, Melbourne had the highest number of incidents between January and August this year, with cabbies reporting with 381 incidents, up from 319 in the same period last year.
There were 233 incidents in Sydney, 192 incidents in Brisbane, 58 in Adelaide, 39 in Newcastle and 43 in the Gold Coast.
Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
