Florida Lyft driver charged with battery by strangulation of passenger
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A Florida rideshare driver is behind bars after allegedly choking and threatening to kill a passenger in his car.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said the incident occurred on October 8, 2025, when Lyft driver Joaquin Mena Vazquez, 27, picked up a woman in his car and parked in a grassy area. in a press release.
Police said Mena Vazquez then climbed into the backseat and began choking the woman while threatening to kill her.
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According to HCSO, Joaquin Mena Vazquez is facing battery by strangulation and false imprisonment. (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)
The victim told authorities she was able to convince Mena to stop attacking her, which allowed him to get out of the car.
“This victim simply wanted to return home safely and was instead met with violence and fear for his life. This type of predatory behavior will not be ignored,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. he said.
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Florida authorities allege that Joaquin Mena Vazquez attacked a driver inside a Lyft vehicle last year. (iStock)
“I commend the victim for coming forward. Her courage may have prevented this suspect from harming another person. Predators who target innocent people have no place in our society.”
Following an investigation into the incident, authorities uncovered two previous complaints from other Lyft drivers regarding inappropriate behavior regarding Mena Vazquez; Both are currently under investigation, police said.
“The behavior described is appalling and will not be tolerated,” a spokesperson for Lyft said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “The driver has been removed from the Lyft platform and we have attempted to contact the driver to offer our support and remain available. We are in contact with law enforcement and stand ready to assist with their investigation.”
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Joaquin Mena Vazquez allegedly parked his Lyft vehicle in a grassy area and began choking a female driver while threatening to kill her, according to authorities. (Serene Lee/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Mena Vazquez was arrested Jan. 29 and is charged with strangulation and false imprisonment, according to HCSO.
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HCSO did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
