A Carthage man kidnapped and assaulted an Uber driver Thursday, according to a probable cause statement filed today in Newton County Circuit Court.
The Newton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Bryce L. Miller, 20, with vehicle hijacking, kidnapping, fourth degree assault and minor visibly intoxicated.
According to the probable cause statement, it was Miller who informed the Joplin Police Department the crime was taking place.
From the probable cause statement:
Miller called 911 and advised that he had a female stopped and was holding her hostage on the side of I-44 until officers arrived.
Victim stated she was an Uber driver and had been transporting Miller from an address in Joplin to Downstream Casino. {She} stated that when she was approximately three minutes from the casino, Miller, who appeared intoxicated to her, became upset about being in the back seat.
Miller jumped into the front passenger seat and began harassing {her}. He then grabbed the steering wheel and attemped to gain control of the vehicle.
Out of fear for her safety, {she} stopped the vehicle in the middle of I-44. Miller then grabbed her, pinning her to the center console and holding her down.
{A} witness stated he was driving westbound on I-44 when he observed {the} vehicle stopped in the middle of the interstate. {He} stated he saw Miller in the passenger seat holding {the woman} down against the center console. He reported that {she} was screaming for help and that Miller was not letting her go.
Miller, who appeared extremely intoxicated- with watery eyes and incoherent speech- stated that his brother had arranged a ride for him to the casino. Miller admitted to officers that he had been drinking.
He stated that during the ride {the driver} was not driving well and he wanted to get out. Miller claimed he had a panic attack and asked her to stop multiple times. He said she eventually stopped but then began fighting him. While Miller initially stated he was fighting “tooth and nail,” he lated denied ever touching {her} or grabbing the steering wheel.
A warrant has been issued for Miller’s address with bond set at $100,000 cash or surety. Conditions of the bond are that Miller have no contact with the victim and not consume alcohol
Originally appeared on The Turner Report
