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FORT PIERCE, Fla. — March 13, 2025 — A violent confrontation between an Uber driver and a passenger escalated into a carjacking early Wednesday, leaving the driver injured and the suspect in custody, police said.
The incident unfolded around 10 a.m. near the intersection of South 25th Street and Virginia Avenue. According to the Fort Pierce Police Department, the passenger, identified as 25-year-old Daniel Presume, allegedly struck the Uber driver multiple times, forcing him to exit the vehicle. The suspect then took control of the 2023 Tesla Model Y and fled the scene.
An officer patrolling the area spotted the stolen vehicle traveling eastbound on Virginia Avenue and initiated a traffic stop. The suspect initially refused to pull over, but the pursuit was brief. The Tesla came to a stop on Oleander Boulevard, where Presume was taken into custody without further incident.
"The quick response by our officers prevented a more dangerous situation," said Fort Pierce Police spokesperson Sgt. Maria Gonzalez. "The victim was treated at a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released."
Court records show Presume is facing multiple felony charges: carjacking, battery on a person 65 years or older (the driver is 68), fleeing and eluding police, and grand theft of a motor vehicle. He was booked into the St. Lucie County Jail, where he remains held on a $55,000 bond.
The victim, who asked not to be named for safety reasons, told investigators that the ride began normally. "The passenger was quiet at first, then suddenly became aggressive," the driver recounted in a statement. "He demanded I stop the car, and when I did, he started hitting me." The driver said he managed to escape and call 911.
Uber released a statement expressing concern for the driver's well-being. "We are appalled by this violent incident," a company spokesperson said. "We have been in contact with the driver to offer support, and we are cooperating fully with law enforcement. The passenger's account has been permanently deactivated."
This is not the first time a rideshare driver has been targeted in the Treasure Coast region. In 2023, a similar incident occurred in Port St. Lucie, where a passenger stole a Lyft vehicle after a dispute. Local safety advocates are calling for enhanced driver protections, such as mandatory panic buttons and real-time location sharing with emergency contacts.
"We urge rideshare companies to prioritize driver safety," said James Carter, a spokesperson for the Florida Taxicab and Rideshare Association. "Drivers deserve tools to de-escalate situations and alert authorities quickly."
The court has scheduled Presume's first appearance for Friday. If convicted on all charges, he could face up to 30 years in prison. The Tesla, which was not damaged, has been returned to its owner.
As the investigation continues, police are asking anyone with additional information about the incident to contact the Fort Pierce Police Department at 772-467-6800 or Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 800-273-8477.
This article was updated with official statements and victim details. For the latest breaking news, download the WPBF 25 News app.
