A Lyft ride took a terrifying turn last Saturday evening when the driver, identified as 30-year-old Joshua Ortega, allegedly drew a handgun on his passengers after they fled his vehicle due to erratic and impaired driving, according to the Orlando Police Department.
The incident began when the passengers, concerned about Ortega’s behavior—which included speeding and driving the wrong way—chose to exit the car before reaching their intended destination.
The driver was reportedly operating the vehicle under a woman’s account and exhibited signs of impairment, according to police.
The passengers refused to pay for the incomplete ride and sought refuge in a local store.
However, the situation escalated when Ortega allegedly followed them into the store. Store clerk Jedidiah Torres recounted the terrifying encounter to WFTV, stating the driver became aggressive, pulled out a gun, and threatened to kill everyone in the store.
“It was a scary situation,” Torres told WFTV, describing the moments before he managed to lock Ortega out of the store after a brief struggle.
Police located and apprehended Ortega shortly after at a nearby Walmart.
Authorities recovered a Taurus G3C 9mm handgun under the driver’s seat of his vehicle. Ortega now faces a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and is being held on no bond pending his pretrial hearing.
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