ORLANDO, FL – A night out turned into a dramatic escape for a central Florida couple when their rideshare experience spiraled into chaos. The driver, accused of reckless behavior, allegedly threatened them with a gun after they fled his vehicle.
The ordeal ended at Airport Liquors on TG Lee Boulevard, where the frightened couple sought refuge. Joshua Ortega, the rideshare driver, was captured on surveillance footage attempting to enter the store with a gun in hand.
Store clerk Jediah Torres, who faced off with Ortega, recounted the heart-stopping moments. “Time seemed to freeze when he pulled the gun,” Torres said, recalling the fear that gripped him as he blocked Ortega’s entry.
The trouble began when Ortega allegedly canceled the couple’s ride, demanding cash instead. As he drove erratically, the couple grew alarmed, fearing for their safety. They reported the smell of alcohol and marijuana, prompting their decision to escape.
Torres witnessed Ortega’s erratic driving as he arrived at the store, hitting curbs and driving onto the grass. Ortega exited, confronting Torres and demanding money, his breath reportedly reeking of alcohol.
Determined to protect the couple, Torres secured the store, locking Ortega out as he brandished a weapon. Ortega eventually left the scene, pacing with the gun before driving away.
Authorities arrested Ortega at a nearby Walmart on Simmeron Boulevard. Charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, Ortega remains in jail without bond, awaiting a pre-trial hearing.
Lyft has not issued a statement regarding the incident. Ortega has a prior DUI charge from 2022, which resulted in a pre-trial diversion agreement.