André Williams, STAR Writer

The Mandeville police have arrested a taxi operator following allegations that he raped a 12-year-old girl Thursday in the parish, THE STAR understands.

Information reaching THE STAR is that the minor travelled in the taxi with the driver who is known to her.

Reports are that during the journey, the driver side-tracked and brought the little girl into bushes and allegedly raped her.

Our news team gathered that the driver of the robot taxi plies the Mandeville to Greenvale route.

According to reports, the minor relayed her ordeal to her parents who immediately rushed her to the hospital, where an emergency surgery was conducted.

A report was subsequently made to the Mandeville police and the alleged suspect arrested.

When contacted, a senior officer at the Mandeville police confirmed the unfortunate incident and told THE STAR the perpetrator was in custody and will appear before the courts soon.

The child is said to be recovering in hospital.