Texas Man Accused of Forcing Rideshare Driver on 1,000-Mile Journey

A Texas man is facing federal charges for allegedly kidnapping a rideshare driver and forcing him to drive over 1,000 miles to Miami.

At a Glance

Miguel Alejandro Pastran Hernandez faces federal charges of kidnapping, carjacking, and possession of a firearm to advance a violent offense.
The incident involved forcing a driver to take him from Arlington, Texas, to Miami, Florida.
Pastran Hernandez allegedly pulled a gun on the driver and demanded to be taken to Florida.
The driver managed to escape when forced to go to a store for supplies.

The Incident Breakdown

On the night of August 16, Miguel Alejandro Pastran Hernandez allegedly kidnapped a rideshare driver in Arlington, Texas. According to the criminal complaint, Hernandez ordered a ride and directed the driver to a closed gas station. Upon arrival, Hernandez purportedly pulled out a gun and loaded a round into the chamber, placing the driver under threat of violence.

The forced journey began, with Pastran Hernandez compelling the driver to travel over 1,300 miles through multiple states. The ordeal saw the driver reaching Louisiana by Saturday morning. Pastran Hernandez made the driver contact their children to explain the extended absence under duress. Throughout the journey, Hernandez reportedly discussed plans to kidnap another individual for ransom.

Texas man kidnapped rideshare driver, forced to drive 1,000 miles to Miami: authorities https://t.co/bb6J3OsiZp

— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 25, 2024

Charges and Court Proceedings

Upon arrival in Florida on August 19, Pastran Hernandez commanded the driver to enter a store in Hialeah to buy supplies for a second kidnapping attempt. Using this opportunity, the rideshare driver fled from Hernandez and contacted the authorities. Law enforcement soon apprehended Hernandez, finding him in possession of a loaded gun during the arrest.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida announced the charges against 23-year-old Hernandez, mentioning that Hernandez has been detained. He was set to receive a detention hearing on Monday, August 26, with an arraignment hearing on September 3.

Safety Risks for Rideshare Drivers

This case highlights the inherent risks that rideshare drivers face daily. Although rideshare companies implement several safety measures, including GPS tracking and emergency assistance features, drivers can still find themselves in precarious situations involving violent passengers.

This ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by rideshare drivers, underscoring the importance of continual review and improvement of safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.