Lyft Driver Brutally Beaten By Passenger Wants Policy Changes – CBS Denver

JURUPA VALLEY, Calif. (CBS Los Angeles) – A Southern California Lyft driver is talking out after he was violently attacked whereas selecting up a possible buyer. He and rideshare advocates need the insurance policies modified so this by no means occurs once more.

It occurred outdoors Fabios Bar in Jurupa Valley at 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 1. A touch digital camera caught Ye Lu’s determined plea to 911. “I feel I’ll die, I feel I’ll die,” Lu might be heard saying to the operator. “I’m a Lyft driver.”

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The incident began as a result of Lu didn’t need the rider placing his belongings within the again seat of his automotive. And he had an excessive amount of to slot in the trunk. Fabios Bar mentioned the rider was DJing there hours earlier than.

Lu mentioned his automotive was too small to hold the passenger with the gear, and that’s when the suspect attacked him. “He began utilizing a microphone stand to hit my head,” mentioned Lu. “I obtained six or seven stitches.”

Eleven days later, the stitches have been eliminated however the concern nonetheless lingers for Lu. “I drive for a rideshare firm for nearly 5 years now; I by no means thought this occur to me,” mentioned Lu.

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Lu is telling his story as a result of he says one thing have to be carried out. He is anticipated to obtain some help from Lyft for medical payments and repairs to his automotive. However he and rideshare driving advocates mentioned it’s not sufficient to cowl his full bills, with an estimated $8,000 whole, together with day without work of labor.

“I’m not driving proper now as a result of I’m scared this might occur once more,” added Lu.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Division arrested the person on the time of the assault for assault with a lethal weapon.

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A GoFundMe page has been set as much as assist Lu pay for his bills.