Taxi Driver Stabbed in St. Catharines

On Friday, January 16, 2026, at approximately 1:45 AM, uniform officers with the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) were called to the emergency room of the Niagara Health Systems St. Catharines Hospital for reports of a male who had arrived with stab wounds.

Officers attended and learned that the male was a taxi driver who had been stabbed by a fare.  Two suspects were identified and arrested.  A scene was located on Welland Canal Parkway in St. Catharines, south of Glendale Avenue.  A weapon was also recovered.

The victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and is recovering in hospital.

1 District Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) has taken carriage of the investigation.  They do not believe that there is any ongoing risk to public safety.

29-year-old Daniel IBARRA VARGAS of Thorold is charged with the following offences.

• Aggravated Assault
• Uttering Threats

IBARRA VARGAS remains in custody and is scheduled to attend a bail hearing Friday, January 16, 2026, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street in St. Catharines.

The other suspect was released unconditionally.

The scene on Welland Canal Parkway was processed and has since been reopened.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Niagara Regional Police at 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009865

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.

NRPS Incident 26-6229