A Lyft driver was arrested last week after allegedly choking a passenger and threatening to kill her during a ride last fall, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
Joaquin Mena Vazquez, 27, picked up the woman on Oct. 8, but pulled into a grassy area and put the vehicle in park instead of taking her to her destination, the sheriff's office said. He then climbed into the backseat, choked her and threatened her life, deputies said.
The woman convinced Mena Vazquez to stop and was able to escape the vehicle, according to the sheriff's office.
Detectives later obtained Lyft records that showed two prior complaints of inappropriate conduct involving Mena Vazquez during previous rides, the sheriff's office said. Those incidents are under investigation.
Mena Vazquez was arrested Jan. 29 and charged with battery by strangulation and false imprisonment, deputies said.
Sheriff Chad Chronister said the woman's decision to report the attack may have prevented Mena Vazquez from harming someone else.