Uber driver kidnapped at gunpoint after picking up customer at Tampa strip club: PCSO

TAMPA, FL — An Uber driver experienced a terrifying ordeal early Monday morning after being kidnapped at gunpoint by a passenger picked up from a Tampa strip club, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office (PCSO).

The incident began in the early hours of January 5, 2026, when the rideshare driver accepted a fare to pick up a customer from an adult entertainment venue in Tampa. Shortly after the passenger entered the vehicle, they brandished a firearm, took control of the situation, and forced the driver to transport them under duress.

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office became involved as the vehicle traveled into their jurisdiction. Law enforcement officers were able to locate the vehicle and safely rescue the driver, while taking the suspect into custody without further incident. The driver, though severely shaken by the traumatic event, did not sustain major physical injuries.

PCSO officials have commended the driver's composure during the high-stress encounter, which helped prevent a tragic escalation. The suspect faces multiple felony charges, including armed kidnapping, grand theft, and aggravated assault with a firearm.