infoUber driver charged with kidnapping after passengers livestream chase
Uber driver charged with kidnapping after passengers livestream chase
John Murray and Tameka Swann livestreamed their \u00e2\u0080\u009cnightmare\u00e2\u0080\u009d Uber ride on Facebook as their driver was seen speeding through the streets of Richmond.
But, shortly after pulling away, they said someone rear-ended their Uber.
\u00e2\u0080\u009cOur Uber attempted to pull over so that they exchange information, but the car didn\u00e2\u0080\u0099t stop behind us. They went around us and sped off and that\u00e2\u0080\u0099s when our Uber sped off behind him,\u00e2\u0080\u009d Swann recalled.
Murray began to stream their trip on Facebook Live from the backseat.
\u00e2\u0080\u009cNobody would\u00e2\u0080\u0099ve known that would\u00e2\u0080\u0099ve happened if I didn\u00e2\u0080\u0099t get that on camera,\u00e2\u0080\u009d he explained.
The video showed the Uber driver call 911 and hand his cell phone to Swann. The couple pleads for the driver to stop as he speeds through stop lights and stop signs.
The dispatcher can be heard demanding the driver to stop.
\u00e2\u0080\u009cThe driver won\u00e2\u0080\u0099t let us out. He\u00e2\u0080\u0099s trying to catch the guy because he hit us,\u00e2\u0080\u009d Swann told the dispatcher.
The couple said an SUV then crashes into the side of their car at West Broad Street and Arthur Ashe Boulevard. The video showed the driver continuing to speed away narrowly missing a bicyclist.
The driver eventually stopped at West Marshall Street and Hermitage Road where they met an officer.
\u00e2\u0080\u009cThat was the scariest moment of my life,\u00e2\u0080\u009d Swann said. \u00e2\u0080\u009cI have never been that scared in my life. It was a nightmare.\u00e2\u0080\u009d
The couple says they suffered minor bruises and were checked out at the hospital.
A spokesperson with Uber said they are also investigating the ride.
\u00e2\u0080\u009cThis driver\u00e2\u0080\u0099s behavior is concerning, and we have removed his access to the app pending investigation,\u00e2\u0080\u009d said an Uber spokeswoman.
