In a shocking turn of events, a rideshare journey in Florida turned into a nightmare when the driver allegedly assaulted a passenger. Now, the driver is facing serious charges after the harrowing incident.

The ordeal took place on October 8, 2025, when Joaquin Mena Vazquez, a 27-year-old Lyft driver, picked up a passenger only to divert the car to a secluded grassy area, according to a press release from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

Once parked, Mena Vazquez reportedly moved to the backseat and began choking the woman, threatening her life in the process. The quick-thinking victim managed to persuade him to cease his attack, allowing her a chance to escape the vehicle.

Following this disturbing event, Mena Vazquez has been charged with battery by strangulation and false imprisonment, authorities confirmed.

Reflecting on the incident, Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed outrage, stating, “This victim simply wanted to get home safely, and instead, she was met with violence and fear for her life. This kind of predatory behavior will not be ignored.”

“This victim simply wanted to get home safely, and instead, she was met with violence and fear for her life. This kind of predatory behavior will not be ignored,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement.

Florida authorities allege Joaquin Mena Vazquez allegedly attacked a rider inside his Lyft vehicle last year.  (iStock)

“I commend the victim for coming forward. Her courage may have stopped this suspect from harming someone else. Predators who target innocent people have no place in our community.”

Following an investigation into the incident, authorities uncovered two previous complaints of inappropriate conduct filed by other Lyft riders regarding Mena Vazquez – both of which are now being looked into, police said.

“The behavior described is appalling and will not be tolerated,” a spokesperson for Lyft sai din a statement to Fox News Digital. “The driver was removed from the Lyft platform and we attempted to contact the rider to offer our support, and remain available. We have been in contact with law enforcement and stand ready to assist their investigation.” 

Joaquin Mena Vazquez allegedly parked his Lyft vehicle in a grassy area and began choking a female rider while threatening to kill her, according to authorities. (Serene Lee/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Mena Vazquez was arrested on Jan. 29 and is charged with battery by strangulation and false imprisonment, according to HCSO. 

HCSO did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.