Troopers: Passenger held Lyft driver against her will

Lyft / MGN

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) – Authorities say an armed Lyft passenger has been arrested after holding his driver against her will in Orlando.

News outlets report that troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol say 20-year-old Christopher Tyree Epperson was charged Tuesday with false imprisonment and carrying a concealed weapon.

FHP spokeswoman Kim Montes says Epperson asked the driver to take him to several dark places, including one specific location if she ever wanted to see her children again.

Troopers say he also tried to take her cellphone.

The driver pulled into a FHP station and flagged down a trooper.

Authorities say Epperson tried to run away when they asked him what was in his pockets. Troopers say the suspect was carrying a loaded handgun, duct tape and gloves.

It’s unclear if Epperson has an attorney.

Local Headlines

Mild and humid Friday morning ahead of a hot afternoon

The Weather Authority is tracking a mild and humid Friday morning start, with sun and clouds expected for the afternoon.

The “addicting” pickleball lifestyle, The US Open Pickleball Championship

The new owner wants to keep the ‘Pickleball Capital of the World’ simple, including bringing in all players from around the world and at all levels.

Community unites to honor Matlacha victim with memorial garden

A community is coming together to create a memorial garden for Mary-Lou Sharp, the 80-year-old woman who was killed after a driver barreled through the outdoor seating area of That BBQ Place

Two injured in Charlotte Harbor crash

At least two people are injured after a crash on Tamiami Trail before 8 p.m. on Thursday evening.

Local postal workers union raises alarm over mail delivery delays

President Sam Wood and Vice President Danny Carinci of the southwest Florida area local American postal workers union are voicing significant concerns regarding mail delivery delays in our region.