Taxi drivers feel unsafe as suspect still at large

PAPS spokesperson Charlene Tebbutt told paNOW they have issued an arrest warrant for Franklin Mercredi in connection with the latest armed robbery on Nov. 29.

“Police continue to investigate,” she said. “They are looking at possible connections to other robberies in the community, but at this point he’s wanted in connection with that one.”

Tebbutt could not confirm details of the investigation or what information had been shared with cab companies but said officers are keeping open lines of communication with drivers.

Still, cab operators that paNOW spoke to are frustrated.

“The police have identified him, but they won’t give us a picture,” former owner of Checker & Family Taxi, Russ McCloy said.

“They’re putting us in danger because they could show us what this person looks like.”

Meanwhile, drivers are appealing for public vigilance and support in the face of the recent violence.

“We have families. When someone puts a gun on your head, at that moment you are thinking everything is gone,” a driver with Checker & Family Taxi, Mandeep Singh said.

Singh and both his brothers-in-law have been robbed while working.

“We are there for the public. It’s a service for the public like any other service,” he said. “But if we are scared, how are we going to go pick up someone?”

Prince Albert recently updated its taxi bylaw, making cameras mandatory inside cabs.

The measure, which Singh supports, is designed to increase security.

“It will help, it’s a good move,” he said.

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom

by Alison Sandstrom

Taxi drivers feel unsafe as suspect still at large

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