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Montreal taxi driver faces charges after allegedly running down 2 men

Montreal police say a taxi driver accused of intentionally running down two men who didn't pay their fares is facing a charge of assault with a weapon.

Montreal police spokesman Eric Labad said the 32-year-old man will appear in court Tuesday morning. Other charges could also be laid.

Labad alleges the two men left the taxi without paying their fares.

The incident happened around 12:40 a.m. ET on Monday at the intersection of St-Laurent Boulevard and Ontario Street in Montreal.

Police say witness testimony indicates two men got out of the taxi and walked onto the sidewalk when the driver allegedly accelerated and hit them with his car.

Both men, aged 18 and 20, were injured but are expected to survive.

"The taxi accelerated as it hit the two individuals. That's what makes us think this is a deliberate act," said Montreal police spokesman Manuel Couture.

Investigators are reviewing a video of the incident.

It's not the first time a Montreal taxi driver has been charged for running down a passenger.

In 2012, Guercy Edmond was accused of assault with a weapon, dangerous driving causing bodily harm and aggravated assault.

Edmond was found not guilty of all charges this past April.