

Paul Johnston, CP24.com





A taxi driver is facing charges in connection with an altercation with a cyclist in downtown Toronto that was captured in a video posted online.

The incident took place on Bay Street, north of Saint Mary Street, shortly before 6 p.m. on Aug. 18.

In a video posted to YouTube by Roman Atwood, a bike courier is seen banging on the passenger side window of a cab before the driver quickly swerves, striking the cyclist and knocking him to the sidewalk.

The 31-year-old courier sustained minor injuries, police previously said.

According to Toronto police Const. Clint Stibbe, the taxi driver and the cyclist were involved in some sort of physical altercation prior to the events captured in the video.

In an update late Thursday afternoon, police confirmed that the 57-year-old driver of the taxi had been charged in connection with the incident.

The man, identified as Thornhill resident Ali Farkhondehfall, is charged with assault with a weapon and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

He is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 4.

The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1900 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477).