LEMON GROVE, Calif. (KGTV) -- A man was arrested Sunday night on suspicion of kidnapping a Lyft driver and threatening her after she picked him up in Spring Valley, San Diego County sheriff’s deputies said.
Deputies told ABC 10News the situation unfolded just after 9:45 p.m. when the driver picked up the man in the Spring Valley area.
According to deputies, the rider threatened the driver with a gun and then forced her to drive around the area for about an hour.
During the ordeal, deputies said the man assaulted and choked her.
The Lyft driver eventually stopped at a dispensary parking lot on Harris Street, off state Route 94 and near Massachusetts Avenue, and it was there that deputies said the rider tried to get passersby to purchase marijuana for him.
Despite being in danger, deputies said the driver managed to secretly text 911 for help.
Moments later, deputies arrived at the parking lot and arrested the rider. The man has been identified as 22-year-old Shane Capezio. He was charged with kidnapping, robbery, false imprisonment, dissuading a victim and preventing a victim from calling 911. During the investigation, deputies discovered Capezio was not armed with a gun.
He was booked into the San Diego County jail.
Deputies did not release any additional details on the incident.
The owner of the dispensary spoke with ABC 10News, sharing surveillance video of the entire confrontation between the sheriff's deputies and the suspect, all caught on camera.
In a statement, Lyft said in part that it has permanently banned Capezio's account and they're ready to assist law enforcement with any investigation.
In its press release, the sheriff's office provided more information about its Text to 911 program. It's available throughout the county, including all police and fire departments.
Deputies recommend prioritizing calling 911 over texting, but these situations make texting a better option:
• You're deaf, hard of hearing, non-verbal or have difficulty speaking
• You're in a situation where it's not safe to call 9-1-1 for help
• You're having a medical emergency and cannot speak on the phone
Here are some basic details on how Text to 911 works:
• Enter the numbers 911 in the "To" field
• Give the location and nature of your emergency
• Send the text message
• Respond to dispatcher questions and follow instructions
Follow this link for more information.
