A Texas man has been arrested and is facing federal charges after allegedly kidnapping and carjacking a rideshare driver at gunpoint and forcing the driver to take them on a cross-country journey from Arlington, Texas, to South Florida.
A Texas man is facing federal charges in Miami after allegedly kidnapping a rideshare driver at gunpoint and forcing the driver to embark on a cross-country journey spanning over 1,000 miles.
According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida, 23-year-old Miguel Alejandro Pastran Hernandez has been charged in a Miami federal court with kidnapping, carjacking, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime.
Kidnapping and Carjacking: Texas Man Faces Federal Charges for Forcing Rideshare Driver on Cross-Country Journey
The criminal complaint alleges that on August 16 at approximately 10:30 p.m., a rideshare driver was working in Arlington, Texas, when Pastran Hernandez ordered a ride and was picked up.
Upon arriving at a closed gas station, Pastran Hernandez allegedly pulled out a gun and loaded a round into the chamber. He then threatened to tie up the driver and place him in the back of the vehicle.
Kidnapping and Carjacking: Texas Man Faces Federal Charges for Forcing Rideshare Driver on Cross-Country Journey
However, instead of carrying out this threat, Pastran Hernandez demanded the driver take him to South Florida, a distance of over 1,000 miles.
The attorney's office alleges that once in Florida, Pastran Hernandez spoke about his plan to kidnap another victim for ransom. On August 19, the suspect also made the driver go to a store in Hialeah, Florida, to purchase supplies for this second kidnapping.
Kidnapping and Carjacking: Texas Man Faces Federal Charges for Forcing Rideshare Driver on Cross-Country Journey
However, instead of following through with his demands, the driver seized an opportunity to escape.
Police later arrested Pastran Hernandez and allegedly found him in possession of a bag containing a loaded gun.
Pastran Hernandez appeared in Miami federal court on Tuesday and was ordered to remain detained. He has a pre-trial detention hearing scheduled for Monday, followed by an arraignment hearing on September 3.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the rideshare company for verification that the incident occurred with one of its drivers and for further comment.
The incident highlights the ongoing safety concerns and challenges faced by rideshare drivers. It serves as a reminder of the importance of taking precautions and being aware of potentially dangerous situations.
Rideshare companies have implemented safety measures, such as background checks for drivers and GPS tracking, but incidents like this underscore the need for continued vigilance and collaboration between law enforcement, rideshare companies, and drivers to ensure the safety of all parties involved.
As the use of rideshare services continues to grow, it is essential to prioritize safety, enhance security measures, and foster a culture of respect and trust within the industry.
