On January 8, 2012 at 2:29 a.m., police received a report of an attempted robbery of a taxi driver in the downtown core of Trail. The taxi was flagged down on Bay Ave. by a male, who then jumped in the vehicle and ordered the driver to drive, as he had a gun in his pocket. No weapon was produced.
Before the taxi could start up, another vehicle pulled up behind the taxi and the suspect jumped out to confront the occupant(s) of the other car. The taxi driver then drove off, and the other vehicle left as well, driving around the suspect and leaving him standing in the middle of the street.
Within approximately 10 minutes of receiving the report, police arrested an intoxicated male for attempted robbery on Bay Ave. near Spokane St. in downtown Trail. No weapon was found on him.
The suspect, Justin JAMES (age 20) of Castlegar, was returned to Trail detachment and held in custody to appear in court in Castlegar on Monday, January 9, 2012 charged with extortion, uttering a threat, and forcible confinement.
This incident is still under investigation and police are requesting any witnesses, particularly whoever was in the vehicle that stopped behind the taxi, to contact the Trail RCMP at (250) 364-2566.
Rob Hawton, Sgt.
NCO i/c Trail & Greater District RCMP
UPDATE - The matter is being put over to Rossland court on Feb. 9, 2012 to give James one month to consult counsel.