BY: 24/7 CRIME DESK | BocaNewsNow.com
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2024 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — A Ridehsare driver was allegedly held at gunpoint by a “customer” who ordered him to drive from Texas to South Florida. Once in South Florida, the ridehsare driver was able to flee and direct cops to the suspect. That suspect is now in custody and charged with multiple crimes. The United States Department of Justice Thursday afternoon shared these details with BocaNewsNow.com:
“According to allegations in the criminal complaint, a rideshare driver working in Arlington, Texas, picked up Miguel Alejandro Pastran Hernandez, 23, on Aug. 16 at approximately 10:30 p.m. Pastran Hernandez had ordered a ride to a closed gas station. When they arrived at the gas station, Pastran Hernandez pulled out a gun and the victim heard a round being chambered in the firearm.
Pastran Hernandez threatened to tie up and put the driver in the back of the vehicle. Pastran Hernandez then ordered the victim to drive to Florida, through multiple states. When they arrived in south Florida, Pastran Hernandez discussed his plan to kidnap another victim for ransom. On Aug. 19, Pastran Hernandez made the victim drive to a store in Hialeah to buy supplies for the second kidnapping. While at the store, the victim fled from Pastran Hernandez who was later arrested and found in possession of a bag containing a loaded firearm.
During his appearance in Miami federal court on Aug. 20, on charges of kidnapping, carjacking and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, Pastran Hernandez was ordered detained. A pre-trial detention hearing is scheduled for Aug. 26. An arraignment hearing is scheduled for Sept. 3.
U. S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, announced the charges. FBI Miami investigated the case. Assistant U. S. Attorney Elizabeth Hannah is prosecuting the case.
