What started as a routine late-night fare turned into a terrifying standoff when a man pulled a gun on a Lyft driver early April 24 on the 1300 block of Faxon Avenue in Memphis, according to police. The driver told officers he initially refused the man’s demand for a ride home, and that is when the suspect allegedly produced a handgun. The man is still on the loose, and investigators are asking the public to step in and help.
According to WREG, Memphis police responded to an aggravated assault call after the confrontation. A police report reviewed by the station states the suspect pulled a gun from his waistband and, at points during the encounter, held the driver at gunpoint. The victim, who identified himself to officers as a Lyft driver, later drove the man to another location before police arrived. Reporter Sarai Bennett noted in the station’s coverage that no arrest had been reported at the time of that story.
Police Ask For Tips
Memphis police say the suspect is still considered at large and are urging anyone with information to contact CrimeStoppers at 901‑528‑CASH. CrimeStoppers’ website explains how to submit anonymous tips and offers a secure online tip form for Memphis and Shelby County residents who prefer to go digital instead of picking up the phone.
Rideshare Drivers’ Safety Under The Microscope
Local reporting shows this is not an isolated scare for ride-hailing workers. Earlier this year, a Memphis teacher driving for Uber was carjacked at gunpoint in a separate case that led to an arrest. That incident was first reported by Action News 5, which noted that the driver in that case also worked as a local educator.
If you witnessed the April 24 incident or captured anything on video, authorities say you should preserve it and contact CrimeStoppers at 901‑528‑CASH or the Memphis Police Department at 901-545-COPS. Investigators say even small details can be crucial, and they are urging anyone who knows something to call or submit a secure tip online.
