NORTH MIAMI, FLA. (WSVN) - A Lyft ride took a frightening turn in North Miami after a driver said her passenger beat her up and stole the car she was driving.
The 33-year-old victim, who spoke with 7News through a translator on the condition of anonymity, said she was targeted on Thursday afternoon.
“He punched me here, in the arm and in the stomach,” she said.
The driver said she pulled up to an area near the Griffing Community Center, along Griffing Boulevard, at around 5 p.m. to drop off her passenger.
The victim said she was hit repeatedly before her assailant sped away in her Corolla.
“I was finishing a ride with a man that I picked up on Northwest Seventh and 95th,” she said. “The ride ended here. When we arrived to our destination, the passenger hit me here, in the arm. I struggled with him. He hit me in the stomach, and he took me out of the car. He turned off the car, and then he stole it.”
North Miami Police responded to the scene shortly after to begin their investigation and start searching for the subject.
On Friday, a spokesperson with Lyft issued a statement that reads, “The allegations described are unacceptable and have no place in the Lyft community or in our society. Upon learning of this incident, we immediately reached out to the driver to offer our support. Additionally, the rider’s account has been permanently removed from the Lyft platform, and we stand ready to assist law enforcement with their investigation.”
As for the victim, she showed 7News the bruises that, she said, the man left behind — adding that she’s in pain and now living in fear.
“Fearful. Lots of fear,” she said. “Women who drive for Lyft need to be very careful.”
If you have any information on this carjacking or the subject’s whereabouts, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
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