Three men broke out of a jail in DeKalb County, Georgia, kidnapped a Lyft driver at knifepoint, and forced her to drive them hundreds of miles to Florida before authorities caught up with them. Stevenson Charles, Yusuf Minor, and Naod Yohannes, facing serious charges including murder and armed robbery, were recaptured after a tense multi-state manhunt that ended in Broward County on December 23, 2025.
The Daring Escape from DeKalb County Jail
The escape unfolded early on December 21, 2025, when guards at the DeKalb County Jail discovered the men missing during a routine security check. Officials believe the trio exploited a weak spot in an older section of the facility, cutting through barriers to slip away unnoticed.
Investigators later revealed that the men had planned their breakout carefully, possibly with inside help, though details on that remain under review. The jail, located just east of Atlanta, houses inmates accused of violent crimes, and this incident raised fresh concerns about security in aging prison structures across the state.
Once free, the escapees wasted no time. They connected with an accomplice who allegedly arranged a Lyft ride under a fake name, setting the stage for their desperate flight south.
The Terrifying Kidnapping of the Lyft Driver
The Lyft driver, a woman whose identity has not been released, picked up the men in the early hours of December 22, 2025, thinking it was a standard fare. Court documents describe how the situation turned violent almost immediately after she arrived at the requested drop-off point.
According to affidavits, the men attacked her, wrapping a rope around her neck and forcing her into the backseat. They held her captive for about 10 hours, driving through multiple states while issuing repeated threats to harm her if she resisted.
The driver told authorities she feared for her life throughout the ordeal. The men used her phone and credit cards to fund their escape, including booking a rental property in Miramar, Florida. Rescuers found her traumatized but physically unharmed after the arrests.
This case highlights growing risks for rideshare drivers, with similar incidents reported in other states over the past year. For instance, a 2024 hijacking in California led to new safety features in apps, but experts say more protections are needed.
- Key threats made during the kidnapping: Rape, torture, and death if the driver did not comply.
- Items used in the attack: A rope and possibly other improvised weapons.
- Duration of captivity: Approximately 10 hours across state lines.
The Multi-State Manhunt and Recapture
Law enforcement launched a massive search involving the FBI, U.S. Marshals, and local agencies as soon as the escape was confirmed. The men were considered armed and dangerous, prompting public alerts across Georgia and neighboring states.
Tracking technology played a crucial role in their capture. License plate readers flagged the driver’s vehicle in Florida, leading police to the rental property in Broward County. On December 23, 2025, officers surrounded the location and arrested all three without further incident.
The swift resolution prevented potential harm to more people, but it also exposed gaps in interstate coordination. Similar escapes in 2023 and 2024, like the Macon jail breakout in Georgia, have led to calls for better federal oversight of local jails.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Escape Date | December 21, 2025 |
| Recapture Date | December 23, 2025 |
| Distance Traveled | Over 500 miles from Georgia to Florida |
| Agencies Involved | FBI, U.S. Marshals, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, Broward County Police |
| Charges Faced | Original crimes plus new federal kidnapping charges |
Charges and Background of the Escapees
Stevenson Charles, 24, was in jail on murder charges stemming from a violent incident in Atlanta. Yusuf Minor, 31, faced armed robbery accusations, while Naod Yohannes, 25, was held for simple assault and arson.
Prosecutors have now added federal kidnapping charges against all three, which could lead to lengthy sentences. Court records show Minor’s girlfriend may have assisted by booking the Lyft, and she could face accessory charges.
This escape mirrors patterns seen in recent prison breaks, where inmates target rideshares for quick getaways. Data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics indicates U.S. jail escapes rose by 15 percent from 2023 to 2025, often involving external help.
Jail Security Reforms and Broader Implications
In response, DeKalb County officials quickly repaired the compromised area and began inspecting similar vulnerabilities in the jail. Chief Deputy Temetris Atkins stated that fortifications are underway to prevent future breaches.
The incident has sparked discussions on rideshare safety and prison reform. Advocacy groups are pushing for mandatory panic buttons in vehicles and stricter background checks for inmates’ visitors.
Experts predict this case could influence legislation in 2026, similar to how a 2024 Florida hijacking prompted state laws on driver protections.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
Social media buzzed with reactions, from outrage over the driver’s trauma to debates on jail funding. Many praised the quick police work, while others questioned how such dangerous men escaped so easily.
Investigations continue, with phone records and witness statements under review. Authorities expect more details to emerge in upcoming court hearings.
What do you think about this escape and the risks for rideshare drivers? Share your thoughts in the comments and pass this article along to raise awareness.
