Police charge man with assault on taxi driver

The Calgary Police Service has charged a man with assault causing bodily harm in relation to an altercation that occurred last summer.

At approximately 12:30 a.m., on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2014, a taxi driver picked up a man in the area of Woodpark Boulevard S.W., and drove him to the area of Aboyne Way N.E. Upon arriving at his destination, the man paid for his fare. As the driver was giving the man his change, the man suddenly attacked the driver, punching him in the face several times and choking him.

The driver used the car horn to attract attention and the man fled on foot. There was no robbery attempt made. As a result, the taxi driver suffered facial injuries.

On Wednesday, April 15, 2015 the Calgary Police Service released a photo of the man believed to be responsible for the assault.

On Sunday, May 3, 2015, Kenton Charles Louis BUTTERS, 26, of Calgary, was arrested at a residence in northeast Calgary without incident. BUTTERS is charged with one count of assault causing bodily harm. His next court appearance is on Thursday, May 28, 2015.

Investigators would like to thank the media and the public for their assistance in this investigation. 

The City of Calgary urges taxi drivers to practice the following safety tips:

• Always keep windows rolled up – open them just enough to talk to people;
• Always keep doors locked, particularly if stopped at a taxi stand or post. This will also prevent someone from entering the taxi while you're stopped at a stop sign or traffic light
• Avoid poorly lit parking areas;
• Avoid being blocked into dead-end streets, alleys and laneways. If you must go in, enter in reverse; and
• Encourage passengers to sit on the right side of the rear seat.