Miami police on Thursday arrested a 40-year-old Wynwood man they say pulled a stunt straight out of an action movie, vaulting through the driver-side window of a Tesla on Dec. 23 and attacking a Lyft driver who was simply trying to return a misplaced cellphone. The driver, who primarily speaks Chinese, told investigators the man climbed on top of him and punched him multiple times before taking off. He later sought medical care. The meet-up to hand back the phone had been arranged near the Kaseya Center in downtown Miami.
How police say they tracked him down
As reported by Local 10, officers say the Tesla’s cameras recorded the suspect diving through the open driver-side window and assaulting the driver. Investigators say the suspect also left behind a Hard Rock Unity loyalty card with his name and serial number, which they used to identify him as Schadrec Chaparro, 40, of Wynwood. Police say they later found Chaparro at an Allapattah apartment and booked him on charges of burglary with assault or battery and misdemeanor criminal mischief.
What the suspect told police
In a post-arrest interview, Chaparro reportedly told officers he only went into the car "to retrieve the cell phone" and denied intentionally hitting the driver, according to the report. "He denied intentionally striking the victim and implied that any injury may have occurred while he was climbing into the vehicle," investigators wrote, per Local 10. Online jail records list Chaparro as being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, with bond listed as "to be set."
Charges and possible penalties
Burglary with assault or battery is a first-degree felony under Florida law and can carry serious consequences, including potential incarceration for up to life, according to the Florida Statutes. Prosecutors typically review medical documentation and video footage when determining final charges and whether to pursue enhanced penalties.
Case status
According to the police report, the Lyft driver sought hospital treatment and has medical records documenting what officers described as a "significant injury." The case remains pending in Miami-Dade, and prosecutors had not released any additional information about scheduled hearings.
