THUNDER BAY – A Thunder Bay man wanted for allegedly assaulting a local cab driver last month faces additional charges related to drug trafficking and theft after his arrest on Thursday.
Police have identified James Jonasson, 32, as the suspect in the assault, and say his arrest led to the seizure of cocaine and a high school student’s stolen bicycle.
Officers first responded to reports of a cab driver being assaulted and robbed on Picton Avenue just before 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 23, according to the Thunder Bay Police Service.
The cab driver had picked up a couple from the casino earlier that night, but the male reportedly refused to pay the fare and then attacked the cab driver before fleeing the area, police said.
The force’s Break and Enter and Robbery (BEAR) Unit was able to positively identify a male suspect following an investigation.
On Thursday, officers were dispatched to a residence in the 300s block of Windsor Street just after 11:40 a.m. to follow up on an unwanted person, believed to be the same male involved in the assault and robbery.
Police located Jonasson inside the home, though he allegedly attempted to provide officers with a false identity. He was subsequently arrested and transported to police headquarters.
During the arrest, the TBPS says officers seized cash and suspected cocaine from the accused. Police also reported finding a bicycle known to be part of a theft investigation being conducted by a School Resource Officer.
The bicycle, recently taken from a local high school in a daylight theft, was seized and was returned to its rightful owner, police said.
Jonasson stands charged with:
• Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 x 2
• Assault Causing Bodily Harm
• Robbery with Violence
• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Obstruct Peace Officer
• Unlawfully in Dwelling House
• Failure to Comply with Probation Order x 2
• Failure to Comply with Release Order x 2
Jonasson appeared in bail court on Friday and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.
