Teen in custody after alleged stabbing of Vancouver taxi driver over payment 'dispute,' police say

A 16-year-old is in custody after allegedly stabbing a taxi driver in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside Tuesday night, according to police.

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) said the teen was arrested around 9:30 p.m., after an off-duty officer witnessed the stabbing near Main and Hastings. 

While the matter is still under investigation, VPD spokesperson Steve Addison said it appears that there was a "dispute"  about payment between the taxi driver and passenger when they arrived at the passenger's destination. 

"As a result of that dispute, the cab driver was stabbed," Addison said in an interview. No other details about the "dispute" were provided. 

The 59-year-old cab driver was treated in hospital for a non-life-threatening injury, police said. He has since been released from hospital. 

Police said the teen, a Richmond, B.C., resident, remains in custody. Police are recommending he be charged with aggravated assault, Addison said.