A Halifax cab driver says he was wrongfully arrested after he unwittingly shepherded a man around the city as he committed a string of robberies Friday night.
Harry Richard drove the man to five different stops -- including three Subways, an Ultramar service station and a McDonald's -- where he committed two robberies and attempted three others.
Richard told CTV Atlantic that he didn't have any reason to believe his passenger was being sought by police.
"I don't ask questions. If the guy wants something to eat, he wants something to eat," said Richard, who has been driving a taxi for more than 25 years.
"He didn't get any food at McDonald's, maybe he went in there and it was too busy. I don't know," he added.
The cab was pulled over by police after their fifth stop, and both Richard and his 43-year-old passenger were arrested.
"They said I'm an accessory to robbery and they pushed me against the car," said Richard. "They handcuffed me using quite a bit of strength."
Richard defended his actions and said it's not his job to find out what his fares are doing while he's driving them around.
"I have no idea why they arrested me," Richard said. "They're saying I was involved. How can I be involved when I'm doing my job?"
Richard said his arrest caused him to miss peak hours and he estimates that he lost roughly $300 in missed fares.
Police said Richard was held until investigators could determine he was not involved.
"It's unfortunate that he was delayed in the end, but, again, officers had to make sure that they had all the facts," said Sgt. J.D. McKinnon.
"He co-operated and gave them what they wanted to know … and he was let go."
