The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office says 27-year-old Lyft driver Joaquin Mena Vazquez allegedly climbed into the backseat of a passenger's ride on Oct. 8, 2025, choked her and threatened to kill her. The victim persuaded him to stop and escaped. Investigators discovered two prior rider complaints that are under review. Mena Vazquez was arrested on Jan. 29 and is charged with battery by strangulation and false imprisonment; Lyft says the driver was removed from its platform.
Lyft Driver Arrested After Alleged Backseat Attack: Woman Says He Choked Her and Threatened to Kill Her
Lyft driver accused of brutal backseat attack, threatening to kill passenger during ride
A Florida rideshare driver is in custody after a woman says he climbed into the backseat of her Lyft, choked her and threatened to kill her during a ride, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Joaquin Mena Vazquez is charged with battery by strangulation and false imprisonment, according to HCSO.(Fox News)
Incident Details
The sheriff's office says the episode occurred on Oct. 8, 2025, when 27-year-old Lyft driver Joaquin Mena Vazquez picked up a female passenger. Investigators allege Mena Vazquez drove to a grassy area, parked the vehicle, then entered the back seat and began choking the woman while threatening to kill her.
Florida authorities allege Joaquin Mena Vazquez allegedly attacked a rider inside his Lyft vehicle last year.
The victim told authorities she was able to persuade Mena Vazquez to stop the assault, which allowed her to exit the vehicle and get away unharmed, officials said.
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.
"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.
Investigation and Prior Complaints
During the investigation, deputies identified two prior complaints from other Lyft riders alleging inappropriate conduct by Mena Vazquez. Those earlier reports are under review, the sheriff's office said.
Company Response
A Lyft spokesperson said the company removed the driver from its platform, attempted to contact the rider to offer support and has cooperated with law enforcement. "The behavior described is appalling and will not be tolerated," the spokesperson said.
Charges and Next Steps
Authorities arrested Mena Vazquez on Jan. 29. He faces charges of battery by strangulation and false imprisonment, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The office did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.
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