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A rideshare driver in Florida finds himself in legal trouble following accusations that he assaulted and threatened a passenger inside his vehicle. The alleged incident has landed Joaquin Mena Vazquez, a 27-year-old Lyft driver, in jail.
The unsettling event took place on October 8, 2025, as detailed by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. According to their report, Mena Vazquez picked up a female passenger and, shortly after, pulled over into a grassy area. It was here that the situation took a drastic turn.
Authorities claim that Mena Vazquez moved to the backseat where he allegedly began to choke the woman, simultaneously issuing threats to take her life. The incident escalated quickly, but the passenger managed to act swiftly and talk Mena Vazquez out of further aggression, eventually escaping the car.
As a result of these actions, Mena Vazquez faces serious charges, including battery by strangulation and false imprisonment, as outlined by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. This shocking case highlights concerns over passenger safety in rideshare services.
The victim told authorities she was able to convince Mena to stop attacking her, which allowed her to get out of the car.
“This victim simply wanted to get home safely, and instead, she was met with violence and fear for her life. This kind of predatory behavior will not be ignored,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement.
Florida authorities allege Joaquin Mena Vazquez allegedly attacked a rider inside his Lyft vehicle last year. (iStock)
“I commend the victim for coming forward. Her courage may have stopped this suspect from harming someone else. Predators who target innocent people have no place in our community.”
Following an investigation into the incident, authorities uncovered two previous complaints of inappropriate conduct filed by other Lyft riders regarding Mena Vazquez – both of which are now being looked into, police said.
“The behavior described is appalling and will not be tolerated,” a spokesperson for Lyft sai din a statement to Fox News Digital. “The driver was removed from the Lyft platform and we attempted to contact the rider to offer our support, and remain available. We have been in contact with law enforcement and stand ready to assist their investigation.”Â
Joaquin Mena Vazquez allegedly parked his Lyft vehicle in a grassy area and began choking a female rider while threatening to kill her, according to authorities. (Serene Lee/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Mena Vazquez was arrested on Jan. 29 and is charged with battery by strangulation and false imprisonment, according to HCSO.Â
HCSO did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.Â