An Uber driver was kidnapped at gunpoint in Boynton Beach and forced to drive suspects through multiple cities while they attempted to withdraw cash using stolen credit cards, police said.
According to a statement obtained by CBS12, the incident began near the Catalina Center when the driver picked up a fare. The suspects allegedly forced the driver to cancel the ride and continue driving through West Palm Beach and Riviera Beach for nearly two hours while attempting to use stolen credit cards.
Boynton Beach Police identified the suspects as Isaiah Thurston, 20, and Jakeria Riley, 24. Investigators said Thurston threatened the driver with a firearm and forced the victim to comply. The suspects later left the driver and vehicle in Boynton Beach, allowing the victim to report the incident the next morning.
Police used the department’s Real Time Crime Center, K-9 units, and assistance from other agencies to locate the suspects. They were arrested near a Courtyard Marriott, where officers reportedly recovered cocaine and stolen credit cards. BocaNewsNow reported Thurston briefly ran from police during the search.
Riley faces charges including kidnapping, armed robbery, possession of cocaine, and possession of stolen credit cards. Thurston is charged with kidnapping, armed robbery, violation of probation, and resisting an officer. Both are being held at the Palm Beach County Jail.
