According to reports, two men flagged down a Lyft driver near a nightclub in Oklahoma City early Sunday morning. Instead of requesting a ride using the app, they offered to pay cash, which the driver agreed to if they were going somewhere close by. After getting into the car with a bag of beer, the back seat passenger reportedly handed a handgun to the front passenger, who allegedly pressed it to the driver’s head and threatened him.
The passengers allegedly demanded to be taken to Durant, which was about 150 miles away, and the driver refused. They reportedly made the man continue driving while allegedly threatening him and attempting to access his phone. Eventually, they decided to have him drop them off at another club in Oklahoma City, where they reportedly demanded the driver’s cellphone and $20 in cash before they got out of the car.
The driver reported that he was terrified by the alleged threats they made to harm his family if he reported them, but he called the police from a local 7-Eleven. The authorities quickly found the suspects nearby.
Both men were taken into custody and booked into the Oklahoma County Detention Center. The man in the front seat is facing preliminary charges of kidnapping, robbery or attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon, carrying or possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, use of a firearm while committing a felony, and pointing a firearm. The man in the back seat is accused of kidnapping, robbery or attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon, carrying or possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, use of a firearm while committing a felony, and two counts of uttering forged instruments. According to jail records, they are currently both being held without bail.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.