HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WWSB) – A Lyft driver in Hillsborough County has been arrested after he allegedly choked and threatened to kill a passenger, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said.
On Oct. 8, 2025, deputies began an investigation after the female victim said her Lyft driver, identified as Joaquin Mena Vazquez, 27, pulled his vehicle into a grassy area and stopped.
Vazquez then allegedly got into the back seat, battered the victim by choking her and threatened to kill her. The victim said she convinced Vazquez to stop, allowing her to get out of the car.
Investigators say Lyft records revealed two prior complaints of inappropriate conduct involving Vazquez. Those incidents are also now under investigation.
Vazquez was arrested Jan. 29. He is charged with battery by strangulation and false imprisonment.
The investigation in continuing, the sheriff’s office said.
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