A Texas man is facing serious federal charges after allegedly kidnapping a rideshare driver at gunpoint and forcing him to drive over 1,000 miles from Arlington, Texas, to Miami, Florida. Miguel Alejandro Pastran Hernandez, 23, has been charged with kidnapping, carjacking, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
The incident began on the night of August 16, when Pastran Hernandez ordered a rideshare in Arlington. Upon arrival at a closed gas station, Pastran Hernandez allegedly pulled out a gun, loaded a round, and threatened the driver, initially stating he would tie him up and place him in the back of the vehicle. Instead, he demanded that the driver take him to South Florida, initiating a harrowing journey across state lines.
During the three-day ordeal, which ended on August 19, Pastran Hernandez reportedly discussed plans to kidnap another victim for ransom once they arrived in Florida. However, the driver seized an opportunity to escape while at a store in Hialeah, Florida, where the suspect had directed him to purchase supplies for the intended second kidnapping.
Authorities have since apprehended Pastran Hernandez, who now faces federal charges that could lead to significant prison time if convicted. The case underscores the risks faced by rideshare drivers and highlights the severity of kidnapping and carjacking crimes across state lines.