A Lyft driver's encounter with a passenger turned into a horrific ordeal last month in Alpharetta when she was allegedly kidnapped, drugged, and raped. The driver, a woman whose identity remains protected, picked up 32-year-old Demarcus Johnson on March 11 for what should have been a routine ride. But according to Alpharetta Police, the trip devolved into a nightmare after Johnson is said to have administered a sedative to the driver, seized her vehicle, and sexually assaulted her.

The victim told investigators she later awoke in a hotel room, with no memory of the preceding events and her car missing. A toxicology report later revealed prescription narcotics in her system that she did not recognize and had not willingly taken. Johnson was arrested on April 5, more than three weeks after the alleged crimes. He now faces multiple charges including rape, kidnapping, aggravated assault, and felony theft by taking, according to WSB-TV Atlanta.

During the ill-fated ride, victim and suspect seemingly struck up a benign conversation and decided to have drinks together. "The two engaged in conversation and agreed to have a drink with one another," Capt. R. Andrew Splawn of the Alpharetta police told FOX 5 Atlanta. Afterward, "the victim doesn’t remember and is unable to account for the events that evening." This lapse in memory, paired with the toxicology findings, suggests the woman's consent was not only compromised but stolen from her, along with her sense of safety and autonomy.

Lyft has condemned the actions of the passenger and swiftly acted to ensure that such behavior does not go unanswered within its platforms. "Safety is fundamental to Lyft, and the behavior described is reprehensible and has no place in our community or anywhere in society," a Lyft spokesperson said in a statement shared with Channel 2 Action News. They further stated that they've been in touch with the driver to offer support and have assisted law enforcement in their investigation.

The investigation is ongoing, and the Alpharetta Police Department has asked anyone with further information to contact detectives at 678-297-6338.