Police in Kamloops are searching for a suspect after a cab driver was assaulted on the job.

The incident happened on Friday just after midnight, when the driver was flagged by two women at Seymour Street and 7th Avenue.

“While waiting for the two females to enter the taxi, a male approached the driver’s side open window with a knife in his hand,” Cpl. Jodi Shelkie says. “The taxi driver struck out at the knife, cutting his hand and knocking the knife away from the suspect.  The suspect then punched the taxi driver, picked up the knife and ran away.”

While pulled over, a man approached the driver side window with a knife.

The taxi driver cut his hand on the knife while motioning towards it, and the suspect then punched him and fled.

Shelkie says it’s not clear why the suspect assaulted the cab driver.

“As far as we know there was no connection to the females, and he didn’t say anything. So we don’t know what his motive was for punching or showing the knife.”

The cab driver drove himself to the hospital for treatment after he dropped off the female passengers.

Police describe the suspect as six-feet tall with short dark hair and tanned skin. He was wearing a red D.C. hoodie and carrying a green backpack. Police say a second male in the area who appeared to be with the suspect was wearing a white hoodie and writing on it and carrying a black backpack.

Those with any information related to the incident are asked to contact Kamloops RCMP or CrimeStoppers.