A Texas man is accused of kidnapping a rideshare driver at gunpoint and forcing them to drive all the way to south Florida, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Florida reports.

What You Need To Know

  • Investigators say a Texas man kidnapped a rideshare driver at gunpoint in Arlington, Texas, and forced the victim to drive to Florida

  • Once in Florida, the FBI says, the suspect, Miguel Alejandro Pastran Hernandez, hatched a plan to kidnap a second person and hold that victim for ransom

  • Investigators say the victim was able to flee from Pastran Hernandez at a store in Hialeah, Florida

  • The suspect is facing charges including kidnapping, carjacking and being in possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence

According to a criminal complaint, about 10:30 p.m. on Aug. 16, the suspect, 23-year-old Miguel Alejandro Pastran Hernandez, ordered a ride at a closed gas station in Arlington, Texas.

Investigators say that when the driver arrived, Pastran Hernandez pulled out a gun, and the victim heard a round being chambered. The suspect then threatened to tie the driver up and put them in the back of the car.

The FBI says Pastran Hernandez then ordered the victim to drive to Florida, through multiple states.

Investigators say that when they arrived in Florida, Pastran Hernandez discussed a plan to kidnap a second victim and hold that person for ransom. 

On Aug. 19, investigators say, the two arrived in at a store in Hialeah, Florida, in order that Pastran Hernandez could buy supplies for the second kidnapping.

It was then, the FBI said, that the victim was able to run away. Investigators say Pastran Hernandez was later arrested and found to be in possession of a bag with a loaded gun in it.

The suspect appeared in a Miami federal court on Aug. 20. He is facing charges including kidnapping, carjacking and being in possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He was ordered detained.

Pastran Hernandez is scheduled for a pre-trial detention hearing on Aug. 26, and his arraignment is scheduled for Sept. 3.