Taxi Driver Assaulted, Vehicle Stolen in Thunder Bay: Suspect in Custody

33-Year-Old Charged with Multiple Criminal Offenses After Violent Robbery

Thunder Bay, ON – January 29, 2025: A taxi driver was assaulted and had his vehicle stolen in a violent incident Tuesday evening, leading to the arrest of a suspect who now faces several serious Criminal Code charges.

Incident Details

🔹 Time & Location: Police responded to reports of a robbery in progress near Leslie Avenue and Black Bay Road shortly before 7 p.m. on January 28.
🔹 Assault & Vehicle Theft: A male suspect attacked the taxi driver before stealing the vehicle.
🔹 Victim’s Condition: The driver suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
🔹 Arrest: The suspect resisted arrest, fled from officers, and attempted to evade police before being located and taken into custody.

Charges and Potential Penalties

Alexander Richard ROSS, 33, is now facing multiple charges under the Criminal Code of Canada, including:

1. Robbery (Section 344) – This indictable offense carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment if a weapon was used or violence was involved.
2. Aggravated Assault (Section 268) – Defined as wounding, maiming, disfiguring, or endangering life, this charge can result in a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.
3. Break and Enter with Intent to Commit an Indictable Offence (Section 348) – Depending on circumstances, this charge carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if committed in a dwelling.
4. Resist Arrest (Section 129(a)) – Willfully resisting a peace officer can lead to up to 2 years in prison if prosecuted as an indictable offense.
5. Obstruct Police (Section 129(a)) – Similar to resisting arrest, this charge can result in up to 2 years in prison.
6. Breach of Probation (Section 733.1) – A violation of probation conditions can carry up to 4 years in prison, depending on previous offenses.
7. Operation of a Vehicle While Prohibited x2 (Section 320.18) – Driving while prohibited under the Criminal Code can lead to a maximum 10-year prison sentence if prosecuted as an indictable offense.

Court Appearance & Investigation

The accused appeared in court on Wednesday, January 29, and has been remanded into custody pending a future court date.

Thunder Bay Police continue their investigation into the circumstances of the attack and vehicle theft. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Thunder Bay Police Service or Crime Stoppers.