A stolen SUV speeding down Portage Avenue killed a Duffy's cab driver early Saturday morning.
Police say the crash happened around 3:30 a.m. at the intersection of Portage Avenue and Maryland Street. They say the stolen SUV was driving west 'at a high rate of speed,' on Portage Avenue when it hit the taxi that was headed south on Maryland Street.
According to police, the SUV hit the taxi on the driver's side - pushing it for half a block, and then throwing it over the centre median. The two vehicles came to rest on the south sidewalk of Portage Avenue. Police confirm the taxi cab driver was taken to hospital where he died of his injuries. Amazingly his passenger was treated and released from hospital Sunday.
A witness at the scene says the SUV was going over 100 km/h when it crashed.
"The SUV ran the red [light] going about 120 km/h," he told CTV News. "It actually ran over the top of the cab, did a front flip, and then the two vehicles barrel-rolled."
Hit and run
The witness also says one of the SUV passengers was thrown from the vehicle - and was then hit by another car.
"The couple actually got out of the car - looked at the guy they had run over, and then took off," he said. "I went and put my coat over him - he was all shaking and broken."
At 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, police put out a press release confirming that one of the SUV's passengers was struck-down in a hit and run, and was in critical condition. The other three occupants were listed in serious condition.
Police want the driver in the hit and run to turn himself in. They are looking for a dark red or maroon coloured sedan, similar in make to an older model Dodge Neon. They say the car probably has visible damage, after striking both the man and the median.
Police want anyone with information regarding the vehicle or its driver to call 986-6271.
