Uber Driver Leads Police on Chase with Passenger Inside, Faces Multiple Charges
Officials State
In a horrifying turn of events, an Uber driver is now facing charges for allegedly leading the police on a chase with a passenger ensnared in the car. Identified by authorities as 23-year-old Cordarius Johnson, he now faces multiple charges including aggravated kidnapping, running a red light and evading arrest using a vehicle.
The Incident
The sequence of events began on February 28 when Johnson was pulled over by the police for running a red light. The officers had to conduct the traffic stop on the passenger’s side due to the presence of oncoming traffic. The passengers in the car informed the police that they were part of an Uber ride.
As per the officials’ statement, Johnson slightly rolled down his passenger-side window when police asked for his license. However, he did not comply when officers requested him to roll down his driver’s side window, and he took off as soon as the officer returned to his patrol car.
Passenger’s Ordeal
The passenger reported that he tried to exit the vehicle but couldn’t as the door shut on him. The driver ignored his request to be allowed to leave the car and instead hurriedly continued driving on Collins street. The terrified passenger also claimed that Johnson disregarded several red lights on Poplar Avenue and went on towards Union Avenue Extended.
The high-speed chase came to an end when the driver suddenly slowed the vehicle and jumped out, leaving the passenger inside the car. Traumatized, the passenger immediately contacted a friend to pick him up and informed the police about the harrowing ordeal he had just experienced. He stated being sore all over and living in fear for his life during the entire incident.
The Aftermath
On March 4, the passenger identified Johnson from a six-person photo lineup provided to him by the police. Since then, Johnson has been arrested and is currently being held at the Shelby County Jail with his bail set at $50,000.
The case sheds light on the need for ride-hailing apps like Uber to further tighten their security measures and verification processes in order to ensure the safety of their passengers. As the case progresses, it remains to be seen what actions will be taken against the driver, and whether the attention this case has drawn will prompt ride-hailing companies to overhaul their safety protocols.
