The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A man was incarcerated after being accused of using a gun to kidnap and pistol whip a ride service driver.
On November 7, after a weeks-long investigation, police in Collinsville, Illinois, arrested a suspect that they believed was the culprit in an armed kidnapping of a Lyft driver that occurred on October 24. The person of interest was identified as a convicted felon who is currently accused of gun-related and violent crimes, in addition to having a long list of priors.
It was reported that during their investigation, they learned that the incident involved a female Lyft driver who picked up a customer in Hazelwood, Missouri. They asserted that the rider got into the vehicle, and he provided her with the address of where he wanted to be taken. When they arrived, the driver was purportedly put in a precarious situation when the man allegedly made it known that he had a gun. He reportedly changed course and demanded to be driven to a local Denny’s. He allegedly forced the woman to go inside, and when she tried to go into the bathroom to escape and call the police, he reportedly struck her with a gun before leaving the establishment.
Some of the people reported that they saw the incident as it occurred, and their recounts aligned with what the authorities believed happened. Surveillance footage reportedly further confirmed their suspicions.
The man was taken into custody and booked into the Madison County Jail. He is facing preliminary charges of kidnapping, unlawful use of a firearm, first-degree assault, unlawful possession of a firearm, and two counts of armed criminal action. According to reports, he is being held without bail.
When the police talked to the suspect about the situation, he allegedly said he took a Lyft to the restaurant. He reportedly added that it was the driver who forced him into the restroom, and not the other way around.
If you or someone you love is suspected of an assault or battery offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.