Two 19-Year-Olds Charged After North Battleford Taxi Driver Killed

A tragic incident in North Battleford has led to the arrest of two teenagers after the death of a taxi driver early Friday morning. Police confirmed that two 19-year-old men are now in custody and facing serious charges following the killing. The case has shocked the local community and raised concerns about safety for taxi drivers working in the area.

According to investigators from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, officers responded to a report of an injured man in a parking lot near the Highway 16 bypass around 7:45 a.m. When emergency responders reached the location, they found the victim seriously injured. Sadly, the man was declared dead at the scene.

Police later confirmed that the victim was a 30-year-old taxi driver from North Battleford. He worked for the local taxi company Crown Cabs. The company’s owner, Harris Korath, said the driver had just started his shift earlier that morning before the tragic event happened.

Korath explained that the driver received a ride request to pick up a passenger at the Hitching Post Motel located in the southern part of the city. The driver reached the location and was waiting for the customer when the incident occurred. According to Korath, the driver had not even started the taxi meter before he was attacked.

The taxi company became worried when the driver did not move from the location for several minutes. As part of their safety practice, the company sends another driver to check if a driver remains at one place for 10 to 15 minutes after receiving a request. When the second driver arrived at the scene, they discovered what had happened and immediately alerted authorities.

Korath described the victim as a kind and hardworking man who often helped others. He said the driver was known for supporting people who were new to the city by helping them find jobs or a place to stay. The sudden loss has deeply affected both the company and the victim’s family.

Police later revealed that the driver had been shot several times. Investigators from the Saskatchewan RCMP Homicide Investigation Unit took over the case and began a detailed investigation into the incident.

During the investigation, police discovered that the suspects were also involved in another crime at a nearby business connected to the parking lot. Authorities say the two men entered the business, pointed a gun at someone, assaulted the person and locked them inside a room. The victim in that incident was later taken to hospital with injuries that were described as non-life-threatening.

Police have now identified the suspects as Kojac Adams and Garren Baptiste, both 19 years old and residents of North Battleford. Adams has been charged with first-degree murder, assault with a weapon and pointing a firearm. Baptiste faces charges of manslaughter and forcible confinement.

Authorities said the investigation is still ongoing as officers continue to collect evidence and speak with witnesses. Police are working to understand exactly what happened during the incident and whether other factors were involved.

The two accused men are scheduled to appear in court at the North Battleford Provincial Court on March 16. The case has drawn attention across the community as residents mourn the loss of the taxi driver and hope for justice for his family.

Local taxi drivers have also expressed fear following the incident. Many say the job already carries risks because drivers often pick up unknown passengers at different times of the day and night. The tragic event has once again highlighted the dangers faced by drivers who work in the transport industry.

As the investigation continues, police have asked anyone with information about the incident to come forward and help with the case. Officials say community cooperation can play an important role in ensuring that justice is served and that similar tragedies can be prevented in the future.