Sioux Falls Ride-Share Driver Attacked by His Passenger Sunday
One would hope that when you call for the services of an Uber or Lyft the ride-share experience would be an easy, convenient, and safe one for both parties once you arrive at your destination, right?
That was certainly not the case on Sunday for a Sioux Falls ride-share driver once he picked up a passenger.
Soon after getting in the car, the suspect in the case began to assault the ride-share driver. Dakota News Now reports this scary experience took place around 2:30 PM on Sunday (March 19) in central Sioux Falls.
According to the story, the suspect began to strangle the driver once they set off for their destination. The police report states the victim hit a snowbank as he attempted to pull the vehicle over during the ordeal.
A witness to the incident called police after seeing the suspect repeatedly punch the ride-share driver. Before authorities arrived, the suspect was able to take control of the car after the driver fled the vehicle. The suspect then drove forward, before placing the car in reverse to allegedly once again hit the victim.
According to Dakota News Now, Sioux Falls police apprehended 19-year-old Gerald Killen of Sioux Falls a short time later and charged him with robbery, grand theft, kidnapping, aggravated assault, and resisting arrest.
The ride-share driver was taken to a Sioux Falls hospital where he was treated for his injuries which were deemed to be non-life threatening.
Dakota News Now is reporting the driver told police he had no idea why Killen assaulted him.
Source: Dakota News Now