Photo: Contributed

A purse snatching at Shuswap Lake General Hospital quickly escalated to an alleged assault of a female taxi driver Monday.

Police say around 6 p.m. officers were called to the hospital on a complaint that a purse was stolen.

The alleged male thief fled the hospital on foot towards McGuire Lake. 

Police quickly found the man, but not before he allegedly assaulted a female taxi driver as he attempted to steal her car. The taxi operator was not injured.

"The male, a 25-year-old with no fixed address, was arrested for robbery, theft, fraud and obstruction of a police officer," stated Staff Sgt. Scott West.

"During the ensuing investigation, it was learned that the male had been released to appear in court in another BC Town for property crime offences just a day before."

The man is being held in custody awaiting trial. 

The Salmon Arm investigation is continuing and further charges may be recommended.