Individual indicted for arming and abducting ride-share chauffeur, compelling him to travel from Texas to Florida, as asserted by federal lawyers.
Twenty-three-year-old Miguel Alejandro Pastran Hernandez is under scrutiny for allegations of kidnapping, attempted carjacking with the intent to inflict harm, and carrying a firearm during the commission of a violent crime, as outlined in a court document submitted on August 16.
The criminal complaint fails to disclose the victim's identity, but in a statement to CNN, Lyft confirmed their reach-out to the affected driver, permanently banned the suspect's account, and collaborated with authorities in their investigation.
The ordeal started on a Friday night around 10:30 PM, in Arlington, Texas, according to officials. Pastran Hernandez, according to the charges, used a ride-hailing app to request a service, authorities claim.
Upon arrival of the unsuspecting driver - who is unnamed in the complaint - Pastran Hernandez is said to have drawn a weapon, recounts an FBI agent's affidavit, supporting the complaint.
The victim was able to hear Pastran Hernandez loading ammunition into the firearm and was threatened with tying and confining him in the vehicle's trunk, the complaint details. However, the driver pleaded for permission to drive, hoping to seize an opportunity for escape. Instead, Pastran Hernandez commanded the driver to take him to Florida, the complaint reveals.
The journey from Arlington to Miami spans some 1,300 miles.
Throughout the journey, Pastran Hernandez reportedly discovered the driver had their firearm and ammunition in the car and maintained possession of it, the complaint affirms.
The driver relayed to authorities that they obeyed Pastran Hernandez's instructions due to feeling powerless over their vehicle, the document states.
The duo made their way to Florida and arrived on Saturday night, officials confirmed.
Plans for a second abduction?
Upon arrival in South Florida, Pastran Hernandez allegedly discussed plans to kidnap another victim for ransom, according to a press release.
The driver remained in Pastran Hernandez's custody until August 19 and was subsequently instructed to drive to a Hialeah store to purchase supplies for the second attempted kidnapping, officials disclosed.
"While at the store, the victim fled from Pastran Hernandez who was later arrested and found with a bag containing a loaded firearm," the press release stated.
According to an FBI agent's affidavit, Pastran Hernandez confessed to law enforcement that he abducted the victim under threat, taking possession of his firearm and coercing him into driving to Florida.
An attorney for Pastran Hernandez did not immediately respond to CNN's request for comment. Federal prosecutors declined to comment further on Pastran Hernandez's motive or if he had connections in Miami.
Lyft acknowledged the conduct described in the incident as "appalling" and "incompatible with the Lyft community and society as a whole." The company assured CNN that their top priority is safety.
Lyft employs "proactive safety support" for drivers, as per the company's website, monitoring rides for any unconventional activity, like unusually long stops or route deviations.
If any irregularities are detected, Lyft contacts their drivers to offer assistance, the website states.
Sadly, incidents involving rideshare drivers have resulted in fatalities in recent years.
A former Afghan interpreter who relocated with his family to the US in 2021 was murdered while carrying out his duties in Washington, DC, last year. Earlier this year, a former Atlanta police officer was detained on suspicion of gunning down a Lyft driver, believing him to be a potential kidnapper.
As of now, Pastran Hernandez is detained in a Miami federal prison, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons' inmate locator. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for August 22, while an arraignment hearing is set for September 3.
The Lyft company reached out to the affected driver and took appropriate actions, permanently banning Pastran Hernandez's account and collaborating with authorities in their investigation. During their journey, Pastran Hernandez discussed plans for another kidnapping with us, the driver.
