Woman Steals Uber Driver’s Car to Get to Airport Faster

Would you steal an Uber driver’s car to catch a flight?

Well, there is this woman who stole it to take a ride… straight to jail!

A California woman’s frantic attempt to catch a flight in Austin, Texas, took a wild turn when she allegedly stole her Uber driver’s car, leading to arrest and felony charges.

Why Did the Woman Steal Uber Driver’s Car?

Neusha Afkami, 27, stands accused of grand theft auto and credit card abuse stemming from a December 10th incident. According to an arrest affidavit obtained by local media, it says that Afkami was picked up by her Uber driver shortly after midnight for a ride to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

The affidavit alleges that Afkami grew increasingly frustrated during the trip, believing the driver was going too slow. This frustration allegedly culminated in Afkami throwing the driver’s phone out the window on East Cesar Chavez Street near Airport Boulevard.

Seizing the opportunity, Afkami reportedly exited the passenger seat, hopped behind the wheel of the stolen car (a 2016 Chevrolet Cruz), and sped away, leaving the stranded driver on the side of the road.

From Woman Stealing Uber Driver’s Car to Airport Spree

Afkami’s alleged airport theft adventure didn’t stop with the stolen car. Police reports indicate she drove the vehicle to the airport and used the driver’s credit card to make a $120 purchase at an airport store. The curious shopping list reportedly included candy and a shot glass.

Thankfully, the stranded driver was able to recover the phone and contact the authorities. Airport security, alerted to the situation, apprehended Afkami before she boarded her flight.

Did Afkami Face Public Backlash for Stealing Uber Driver’s Car?

Afkami is facing serious charges for her actions. Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and credit card abuse are both considered felonies in Texas, carrying potential sentences of up to two years in jail.

Uber, the ride-sharing platform used by Afkami, responded swiftly. They banned Afkami from using the platform and offered support to the driver in the aftermath of the incident.

A Reminder of Safety Concerns

This situation is a scary example of what can happen when riders don’t behave. It shows why keeping ride-sharing drivers safe is important. Stealing the car like in Afkami’s case and leaving the driver stranded put them in a dangerous situation.

This story shows why ride-sharing companies need to keep finding ways to make things safer for drivers and riders.

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