Rideshare driver charged with allegedly kidnapping 15-year-old

Authorities say the driver refused to stop the car when the teen tried to exit

Mar. 12, 2026 at 9:22pm

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A 44-year-old Lyft driver named Victor Manuel Montilla has been arrested and charged with kidnapping a 15-year-old female passenger in West Jordan, Utah on February 7, 2026. The teen's mother, Karina Ramirez, said Montilla began driving in the opposite direction of the teen's destination and refused to stop the car when the teen tried to get out, leading to a frightening ordeal before the teen was able to exit the moving vehicle.

Why it matters

This incident raises serious concerns about passenger safety and the vetting process for rideshare drivers, as well as the need for improved safety protocols and oversight to prevent such dangerous situations from occurring.

The details

According to court documents, Montilla allegedly began claiming he was having 'connection problems' with his app and stopped driving for about five minutes. He then said he had fixed the directions and began driving in the opposite direction of the teen's destination. When the teen tried to get out of the car, Montilla allegedly refused to stop, even as the teen pleaded with him in both English and Spanish. The teen was ultimately able to open the door and exit the moving vehicle, running away to safety.

  • On February 7, 2026, the alleged kidnapping incident occurred.
  • On March 10, 2026, police took Montilla into custody.
  • Montilla's initial court appearance is scheduled for March 16, 2026.

The players

Victor Manuel Montilla

A 44-year-old Lyft driver who has been charged with kidnapping a 15-year-old passenger.

Karina Ramirez

The mother of the 15-year-old victim, who ordered a Lyft ride for her daughter and tracked her location during the incident.

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What they’re saying

“He kidnapped my child, she tried to get out, and he didn't stop the car.”

— Karina Ramirez, Mother of the 15-year-old victim

“Super super happy with the great news. He deserves whatever comes to him”

— Karina Ramirez, Mother of the 15-year-old victim

What’s next

Montilla's initial court appearance is scheduled for March 16, 2026, where a judge will determine if he should be released on bail or remain in custody.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for rideshare companies to implement stronger safety measures and background checks to protect passengers, especially vulnerable individuals like minors, from potential harm by drivers. It also underscores the trauma experienced by victims and their families in such situations and the importance of swift law enforcement action.