A Lyft driver operating in Prince William County, Virginia, is facing abduction charges after preventing two women from exiting his car during an argument over fares.
Adar Bulut, 25, of Falls Church, picked up the women in Maryland, the Prince William County Police Department said without identifying the women by name.
The Lyft arrived in Woodbridge, Virginia, around 12:33 a.m. Sunday, police said Tuesday in an incident report.
Police said Mr. Bulut offered the two women a discounted rate, payable directly to him instead of the standard rate through the ridesharing app. During the drop-off, however, he and the women, 32 and 25, argued over the price.
Mr. Bulut is accused of not letting the women out of his car and driving a short distance before relenting and letting them exit. Neither woman reported being injured, police said.
Mr. Bulut is charged with two counts of abduction and one count of reckless driving.
Police have issued a warrant for Mr. Bulut’s arrest but have not found him. He is described as a 5-foot-9 White man, weighing 175 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
In a statement to The Washington Times, a Lyft spokesperson said that “the behavior described is unacceptable and has no place in the Lyft community. The driver has been permanently removed from the Lyft platform, and we have been in contact with the rider to offer our support. We stand ready to assist law enforcement with their investigation.”
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