A Texas man is facing federal charges after he allegedly kidnapped a ride-share driver at gunpoint and forced him to take him to South Florida, authorities said.
Miguel Alejandro Pastran Hernandez, 23, was indicted in Miami federal court on charges of kidnapping, carjacking and possession of a firearm with intent to commit a crime of violence, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida announced in a press release.
According to the criminal complaint, around 10:30 p.m. on August 16, the ride-share driver was working in Arlington, Texas when Pastran-Hernandez requested a ride and was picked up.
The suspects reportedly asked for a ride to a gas station that was closed, and when they arrived, Pastran-Hernandez allegedly pulled out a gun and loaded the barrel.
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Miguel Alejandro Pastran Hernandez is accused of carjacking and kidnapping a ride-share driver and forcing him to drive from Texas to South Florida. (Broward County Sheriff’s Office)
Pastran-Hernandez then reportedly threatened to tie up the driver and put him in the back seat of the car, but instead demanded that he be taken to South Florida, more than 1,000 miles away.
Prosecutors said when the driver arrived in Florida, Pastran-Hernandez discussed plans to kidnap another victim for ransom.
On August 19, the suspects attempted to get the driver to go to a store in Hialeah, Florida to purchase supplies for a second kidnapping, but the driver refused to comply with the passenger’s demands and fled.
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Police have arrested a Texas man after he allegedly forced a ride-share driver to take him from Texas to South Florida. (iStock)
Police later arrested Pastran-Hernandez and allegedly found him in possession of a bag containing a loaded gun.
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Pastran-Hernandez appeared in Miami federal court on Tuesday and was ordered to remain in custody. A pretrial detention hearing is scheduled for Monday, followed by an arraignment hearing on Sept. 3.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the ride-sharing company for confirmation as to whether the incident occurred with one of its drivers and for further comment.
