Passenger chokes Lyft driver with his own seatbelt during transit

A Lyft driver in Texas has filed a lawsuit against Lyft and Memorial Hermann Hospital, claiming he was attacked by a passenger who choked him with his own seatbelt during a ride.

Kehinde Ayoola recounted the terrifying incident that occurred in February, when hospital staff requested the ride and assisted Ramiro Vella into the vehicle.

Ayoola described the moment Vella wrapped the seatbelt around his neck, stating, “He was trying to kill me.” The assault left him traumatized and fearful, struggling with anxiety over the possibility of future attacks. “Just like we’re sitting here, if someone tries to pass behind me, I’m always so scared. I see it every day,” Ayoola said, highlighting the lingering effects of the violent encounter.

Since the incident, Ayoola, who had been a rideshare driver for seven years, has stopped picking up passengers altogether. “Even if my grandson is sitting behind me in the car, I’m scared,” he admitted, reflecting on how the attack has upended his life.

When Ayoola arrived at the hospital to pick up Vella, he noticed the passenger fidgeting and acting strangely in the presence of three hospital staff members. Concerned for his safety, he inquired about Vella’s well-being, receiving assurances that everything was fine. However, shortly after Vella entered the car, he began talking to himself, displaying erratic behavior before launching the assault.

In a desperate attempt to free himself, Ayoola tried to insert his fingers between the seatbelt and his neck but was unable to unfasten it. Vella escalated the situation by placing Ayoola in a chokehold, causing Ayoola to pull over to the side of the road.

Vella then kicked out the back window and damaged the vehicle before fleeing to a nearby house, where he attempted to enter while yelling. A homeowner called 911, leading to Vella’s arrest.

Ayoola’s attorney, Osayuki Ogbeidet, emphasized that Ayoola is “an innocent, hardworking man” who was simply trying to complete a requested Lyft journey. The attorney noted that Ayoola expressed concerns to hospital staff, who assured him that Vella was safe.

“He has experienced very special damages—not just loss of wages and medical bills, but his whole life turned upside down,” Ogbeidet stated.

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Ramiro Vella faces charges of aggravated assault, with his next court date set for September 25.