2 charged after Lyft driver was stabbed in Edmonton

Edmonton police say two people have been charged after allegedly stabbing a Lyft driver in north central Edmonton last week.

EPS says around 9:45 p.m. on Nov. 5, officers responded to a report that a man was injured near 118 Avenue and 87 Street.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found a man — who was a Lyft driver — suffering from being stabbed.

Officers provided first aid, and the man was taken to hospital where he was treated for serious, life-threatening injuries.

Through an investigation, police learned that the man had picked up a man and a woman who had scheduled a Lyft ride near 116 Street and 87 Avenue.

When arriving at the intended destination, the driver was stabbed. Police were also able to confirm that the driver was able to escape, and found help from bystanders.

Police also note that the man and woman then fled in the vehicle, and abandoned it nearby, before fleeing on foot.

“The suspects and the driver were not known to one another, and this violent attack was completely unprovoked,” says Detective Bryan Niehaus with the EPS Investigative Response Team. “We are thankful that our officers responded so quickly, as they undoubtedly saved the driver’s life.”

EPS was able to work with Lyft to identify the suspects, later taking them into custody on Nov. 10.

Since, 43-year-old Walter Laroche and 29-year-old Paige Laroche have been charged with attempted murder and robbery. Police also note that Walter is facing an additional charge of possession of a weapon.