Police: Woman Faked Lyft Kidnapping To Get Money From Family

ROMULUS (WWJ) - A woman who told her mother she was being held at gunpoint by a ride-share customer apparently made up the entire story, all in an attempt to get some cash from her family, according to police.

The situation unfolded around 6:55 p.m. Tuesday when police received a call about a possible kidnapping. The woman told police her 29-year-old daughter, who is a Lyft driver, was texting her indicating that a male customer was demanding $2,500. She told police the customer was texting this information to her daughter as he sat in her vehicle.

State Police troopers were dispatched to intercept the woman's car. A helicopter was also launched to assist in the search.

Further information from the mother indicated that the customer had now pulled a gun and placed it to the daughter's head, and that the car was headed north on I-75 toward Flint. Troopers were then informed that the customer had exited the vehicle and that the woman was now traveling back toward Troy and heading to Somerset mall.

Troopers were able to find the victim's car and also located her parents. According to police, it was determined quickly that the "victim" was not kidnapped but made up the incident in attempt to get money from her family.

Michigan State Police are continuing to investigate this incident. A report will be submitted to the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office to determine what charges will be filed.