HAMILTON - Police in Hamilton say a man tried to steal a taxi — with the cabbie still in the driver's seat — in an effort to evade arrest.
They say officers called to investigate an alleged assault in a bar early Friday were told by witnesses that the suspect had left in a cab, which was pulled over a short distance away.
Investigators say when police started to approach the cab, the suspect allegedly jumped from the rear seat into the front passenger seat, making verbal threats to the officers.
It's alleged the suspect then jumped on top of the cabbie and sat on him while attempting to steal the car, but the driver managed to pull the keys out of the ignition and the man was arrested.
A 33-year-old Hamilton man is charged with assault, mischief under $5,000 and vehicle theft.
Police say the person in the bar received minor injuries and the cab driver was not injured.
