A routine ride for Lyft driver Abraham Addo turned into a nightmare when he unknowingly picked up a wanted fugitive, resulting in a high-risk police stop that left him traumatized and his car destroyed.
Addo, who has been driving for Lyft for nearly six years, picked up two passengers from Fridley, Minnesota, and was headed toward St. Paul when the incident occurred.
“The only thing was when they got into the car, they were sitting low. That was the only thing I noticed,” Addo told WCCO.
During the ride, Addo noticed flashing lights in his rearview mirror. Expecting the patrol cars to pass him, he pulled over — only to be surrounded by officers with guns drawn, demanding everyone exit the car.
“I didn’t know what was going on,” Addo recalled. “Guns were pointed at my car; I was in shock.”
According to a criminal complaint, one of Addo’s passengers had fled from police earlier by driving down a 6-foot embankment before getting into Addo’s car.
As the suspect refused to exit the vehicle, officers fired multiple chemical irritant rounds into the car, causing further damage. Video footage captured by Addo shows his car’s interior torn apart after the suspects were apprehended.
“Police ended up destroying my car,” Addo said, revealing he is now responsible for a $2,500 insurance deductible.
Adding to his distress, Addo says Lyft has offered little assistance in the aftermath of the incident. “I’m not happy with Lyft. They’re treating it like an ordinary thing, something that could get me killed,” he said.
In response, Lyft told WCCO they are “working with Addo” and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office advised that Addo should file a claim to receive reimbursement.
However, the traumatic experience has left Addo struggling with his mental health, as he still visualizes the moment officers pointed their guns at him. “It keeps replaying in my head when I try to sleep,” he said.
While the fugitive is now in custody, Addo is left to pick up the pieces — emotionally, financially, and mentally.
