Montreal cab driver runs over person

The car was kicked and struck as Edmond, 50, drove erratically around an intersection in the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough. Prosecutor Josiane Laplante said Kapelli ended up with a perforated bladder, broken ribs and a large cut on his chin.

Under cross-examination, Kapelli denied striking Edmond inside the cab and also said he did not make racially charged remarks widely reported at the time of the alleged crime. Defence lawyer Yves Vaillancourt suggested video taken of the late-night affair painted a different picture: one of an angry Kapelli striking and kicking the taxi cab over and over and repeatedly darting in front of it.

Kapelli called Edmond a thief, said he was fearful the cabbie was armed and testified he was trying to run him down. Before hearing testimony, Quebec court Judge Genevieve Graton viewed a store security tape and bystander video that captured the events. In one taken at street level, Kapelli is seen kicking the car one last time as he appears to lose his balance and gets caught under its wheels.

Sign up to receive daily headline news from the Montreal Gazette, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Montreal Gazette Headline News will soon be in your inbox. The driver throws a glass juice bottle in their direction. Edmond gets back in the taxi and starts driving back and forth erratically as the men continue to chase and hit the car.

One man, not associated with the passengers, is also seen jumping on the taxi's roof. In his testimony, Edmond said he was trying to leave the scene and drive to a police station when he struck and drove over one of the men.

Under cross-examination, Kapelli denied striking Edmond inside the cab and also said he did not make racially charged remarks widely reported at the time of the incident. Guercy Edmond appeared in court where he was charged with aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, hit-and-run and dangerous driving. The year-old taxi driver will remain in prison until his bail hearing on Wednesday.

Another year-old man has been released from custody on a promise to appear should police decide to charge him. The young man in hospital could also face charges, said Const. Copyright owned or licensed by Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. All rights reserved. To order copies of Toronto Star articles, please go to: www. Report an error.