Lyft Driver Kidnapped, Assaulted by Passenger

Описание: Lyft Driver Kidnapped and Assaulted by Passenger in Lemon Grove

LEMON GROVE, CA – A man is facing multiple felony charges after a harrowing incident Sunday night in which a Lyft driver was kidnapped, assaulted, and threatened by her passenger. The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Shane Capezio, was arrested after deputies discovered a struggle inside the vehicle outside a dispensary.

The ordeal began just after 9:30 PM on March 9 when Capezio was picked up in Spring Valley. Shortly after entering the rideshare, he allegedly threatened the driver, claiming to have a gun, and forced her to comply with his demands. As the driver continued to drive under duress, Capezio is reported to have choked and physically assaulted her.

Capezio allegedly instructed the driver to take him to the “Off the Charts” dispensary on the 3500 block of Harris Street in Lemon Grove. During the stop, he attempted to get dispensary patrons to make purchases for him without leaving the car.

Fearing for her life, the driver discreetly sent a “Text to 9-1-1” message to the Sheriff’s Communications Center, alerting authorities to the unfolding situation. Deputies from the Lemon Grove Sheriff’s Substation and Rancho San Diego Sheriff’s Station responded promptly, locating the vehicle in the dispensary’s parking lot. They found Capezio struggling with the driver inside the car and quickly intervened, detaining him at the scene.

Despite Capezio’s threats, a preliminary investigation revealed that he did not have a gun. Authorities found numerous bags containing Capezio’s belongings, including alcohol, inside the vehicle. The driver, though visibly shaken, was not seriously injured and did not require hospitalization.

Capezio was arrested on multiple charges, including kidnapping, robbery, false imprisonment, dissuading a victim, and preventing a victim from calling 9-1-1. He was booked into the San Diego Central Jail, and charges are pending.

The driver’s husband, who had long been concerned for her safety while driving for Lyft, mentioned that he had recently considered installing a dash cam in her vehicle for added security.

Capezio has a court appearance Wednesday at the El Cajon Court House.

This incident has raised concerns about the safety of rideshare drivers and the need for enhanced protective measures.

Authorities are continuing their investigation and have stated that additional information will be released in an upcoming press statement.