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Watertown, NY – March 30, 2025 – A routine ride-share pickup turned into a nightmare for a Watertown Lyft driver who unknowingly transported a murderer across two counties. The driver, speaking exclusively to reporters on Sunday, credits a New York State trooper with saving his life after the suspect’s violent past surfaced mid-trip.
The driver, who asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons, said he picked up a passenger in Jefferson County late Friday evening. The man seemed calm and gave directions toward St. Lawrence County. It was only after a routine traffic stop by a state trooper that the driver learned the true nature of his passenger.
“I had no idea he was a killer,” the driver said. “When the trooper pulled us over, I thought it was a simple check. Then he asked me to step out of the car slowly. I saw the handcuffs. That’s when I realized my life was in danger.”
According to the New York State Police, the passenger was a suspect in a homicide that occurred earlier that week in Watertown. Investigators had issued a regional alert, and the trooper spotted the vehicle matching the description on Interstate 81. The stop was conducted without incident, and the suspect was taken into custody without resistance.
The driver, a 34-year-old father of two, said he now believes the trooper’s quick action prevented him from becoming the killer’s next victim. “If that officer hadn’t stopped us, who knows what would have happened? The guy was headed to a remote area. I might not be here today.”
Exclusive insight: Law enforcement sources confirm that the suspect had a history of violent behavior and was considered armed and dangerous. The trooper who made the stop, identified as Trooper Michael Torres, has been placed on routine administrative leave pending a review, standard procedure for officer-involved incidents. A department spokesperson praised Torres’s “vigilance and professionalism” in handling the dangerous situation.
The Lyft driver says he has since spoken with the district attorney’s office and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation. He has also taken a temporary break from driving, citing emotional trauma.
“I’m grateful to be alive. Every time I close my eyes, I see that backseat. But I’m thankful the police were watching out for me,” he added.
The suspect is currently held at the Jefferson County Jail without bail, awaiting arraignment on second-degree murder charges. The case has drawn attention to the risks faced by ride-share drivers, who often have little to no information about passengers before pickups.
Lyft released a statement saying the company is “deeply concerned” and is cooperating with law enforcement. The company also reminded drivers to use the in-app safety features, including the emergency button and real-time location sharing.
The incident underscores the importance of inter-agency communication and rapid response in rural areas. The New York State Police urge anyone with information about the homicide to contact the Watertown Police Department.
Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated the suspect was arrested in St. Lawrence County. The arrest occurred on Interstate 81 in Jefferson County.
