Taxi driver charged with sexual assault

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Investigators with the Sexual Assault Investigative Team of the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division have charged a man in relation to a sexual assault that occurred on July 15 in Halifax.

Sometime between 8:30-9:30 p.m. on July 15, a man driving a taxi on Lacewood Drive picked up a young woman in what is believed to be an older model, four-door white car with a roof light. The man stopped the vehicle on Sherwood Street and when the woman asked how much she owed, the man said he was having issues with his meter and it would take a few minutes to fix. While waiting to pay, the man tried to kiss the woman, then locked her door and touched her in a sexual manner over her clothing without her consent. The woman was able to get out of the cab and go to a friend’s home.

On August 25 at 2:42 p.m., investigators arrested 28-year-old Saher H. Hamdan when he turned himself in at Police Headquarters on Gottingen Street. He is scheduled to appear in Halifax Provincial Court on October 5, to face a charge of sexual assault.

Sexual assault investigations are very complex. As part of our victim-centered, trauma-informed approach to sexualized violence, we work closely with victims to ensure they’re willing to proceed with a police investigation, which includes giving a statement about the incident and providing a description of the suspect if possible. Police must also ensure the victim’s privacy is upheld and well-being is fully considered.

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