A Winnipeg man is sharing the details of a sexual assault he said he endured at the hands of a taxi driver.

The man wishes to remain anonymous, but wants to share the details of the terrifying incident.

"It scares me that we live in a place where we can't even take a taxi and be safe anymore,” he said.

The incident happened on May 15. The man said the driver of a cab he called to take him home sexually assaulted him before dropping him off.

He said the driver turned into a secluded alley where he made unwanted advances.

Despite saying no, the man said the driver attacked him.

"I was too weak to fight back and I just shut down. I didn't know what to do, I didn't know what to say, I didn't know how to react,” he said.

The 22-year-old man has been transitioning since he was 18-years-old. He believes members of the LGBT community are vulnerable to these kinds of attacks.

"It's a very real fear to have, and being cautious is the best thing to do,” he said.

The man started taking testosterone a year and a half ago, and had chest surgery last month.

"He grabbed at my chest and squeezed it and stuff, and irritated it and it hurt for a few days afterwards."

Charges laid

The assault was reported to police the next day. Not long after, police say the accused went back to the victim’s home offering him money to drop the charges.

"I was absolutely terrified because that was my biggest fear at the time, was him coming back to my house,” he said.

The man called police again. Constable Jason Michalyshen said an arrest in the case has been made.

Police have charged 55-year-old Mohinder Sarkaria with sexual assault and attempting to obstruct justice.

He remains in police custody.

"It is absolutely concerning, but we have to realize that these are individuals who are making these choices and these incidents can occur anywhere, they do occur anywhere," Michalyshen said.

The Winnipeg Taxi Alliance said Sarkaria has been suspended as a driver and will not be allowed to drive again unless he is cleared of all charges.

An alternative to taxis

Jackie Traverse started the Ikwe ride sharing service, a safe alternative to cabs.

Traverse said she’s happy the victim came forward. She expects membership to the service, which is nearly 10,000, to spike because of it.

"We're going to need more drivers because more members are added daily and sometimes we just can't keep up,” Traverse said.

Man urges caution, bravery to other victims

In the days since the attack, the man has been keeping busy, never goes anywhere alone and makes sure everyone knows where he is at all times.

"I just don't feel safe anymore. I don't feel safe in my own home knowing he knows where I live,” he said.

The man is encouraging others to be cautious when using cabs, and be brave if they face a similar situation.

“The best thing to do is come forward and say something, and make sure justice is served.”