A New Westminster man has been charged in connection with a carjacking that ended with minor injuries on a busy uptown New Westminster street.
Kaeden Hnatiw, 27, has been charged with one count of robbery and one count of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.
The arrest came after multiple witnesses reported to 911 that a taxi was being driven erratically uptown. New Westminster polilce Sgt. Andrew Leaver told the Record earlier that the taxi had been stolen and was striking other vehicles.
A Reddit thread about the incident reported the driver of the cab was “screaming with rage” and that police had their guns out.
The suspect remains in custody. In a news release, Leaver thanked the public for their patience, noting the incident caused “a significant disruption to the neighbourhood.”
“This individual was safely taken into custody thanks to the excellent work our front-line officers, and we are thankful nobody was seriously injured.”
The New Westminster Police Department said the incident may have been upsetting for people to witness.
Anyone who may have been affected by the episode who feels they need help from the Victim Assistance Unit is encouraged to call 604-529-2525.
Watch: Video of the Royal City Taxi carjacking
A Twitter user captured the mayhem on the road during the incident:
buddy of mine has front row seats to something *exciting* going on in Uptown #newwest right now..... pic.twitter.com/JvIpEOcTcz
— Kevin (@604kev) May 17, 2023
- with files from Julie MacLellan
