The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Lyft driver accused of assaulting and threatening a passenger during a ride in October.
According to the sheriff’s office, the investigation began after a victim reported that she was attacked after being picked up by her Lyft driver on Oct. 8, 2025. Investigators said the driver, Joaquin Mena Vazquez, 27, pulled the vehicle into a grassy area while en route to the destination and placed the car in park.
Authorities said Mena Vazquez then entered the backseat, choked the victim, and threatened to kill her. The victim was able to convince him to stop, allowing her to exit the vehicle safely…