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The driver said, "I want to kill everyone that is gay," says passenger Andres Berreondo.
A Miami man says his Lyft driver pulled a gun on him and said he wanted to kill gay people during a ride Thursday.
Andres Berreondo ordered a ride from his downtown Miami apartment to a family friend's office, he told local TV station WTVJ. He stashed two large boxes in the backseat and sat in the front passenger seat. The driver immediately exhibited "an attitude" and "bad energy," Berreondo said.
When Berreondo complained that the driver wasn't following the GPS instructions, the driver became angry, using homophobic slurs. The driver then brandished a gun and said, "I want to kill everyone that is gay," according to the passenger.
Berreondo called 911 but the driver continued on his route for about 10 more minutes. When he finally stopped, he pushed Berreondo out of the car and kicked him.
Berreondo, who noted that he could have been killed, said he came forward to warn other Lyft users about the driver and to call on the company to improve screening.
Lyft issued the following statement: "The safety of our community is Lyft's top priority, and the behavior described here is unacceptable. There is no place in the Lyft community for discrimination or violence of any kind. As soon as we were made aware of this incident, we permanently deactivated the driver. We have been in contact with the passenger to offer our full support, and stand ready to assist law enforcement with any investigation."
Miami police are investigating.
