The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
An Uber driver was the alleged victim of a brutal attack when a rider reportedly choked, bit, and scratched him from the back of the vehicle.
On the afternoon of April 17, 55-year-old Michele Stilwell hailed an Uber to take her to her home in St. Petersburg.
Just before 5:00 pm, a man responding to her request pulled up and welcomed her into the vehicle.
While they were driving down the road, Stilwell reportedly began to physically assault the unsuspecting driver.
According to the affidavit, Stilwell grabbed the Uber driver by the neck with her hands before she placed him in a chokehold.
When the driver was able to pull the car off the road, Stilwell allegedly lunged forward and made it to the front of the vehicle.
The woman reportedly used her teeth to tear a chunk of flesh from the driver’s neck, and “deeply scratched he [SIC] defendant across the chest.” She allegedly continued the assault by choking, scratching, and biting the man as bystanders began to gather.
The driver reportedly attempted to call the authorities, but Stilwell allegedly struck the phone and it fell from his hand.
People began to take photos, and when they reportedly heard the driver gasping and saying he was unable to breathe, they helped him get away from Stilwell’s alleged grip.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department was notified about the incident.
When the police arrived at the scene, they were unable to discern whether Stilwell was suffering from mental illness or if she had taken drugs. It was noted in the affidavit that she appeared to be drunk.
Stilwell was placed under arrest and booked into the county jail on a $15,000 bond. She is expected to face charges for suspicion of felony aggravated battery, and felony tampering with a witness.
She was released from incarceration early the following morning.
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.