A 15-year-old girl in Utah is being hailed as brave after dramatic surveillance footage captured her sprinting to safety during what police describe as an alleged attempted kidnapping involving a rideshare driver.
According to her mother, Karina Ramirez, the frightening ordeal began Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, when she ordered a ride through Lyft for her daughter, Kaitlyn, to attend an appointment.
Ride Canceled — But Driver Kept Going
Ramirez said she became alarmed shortly after the trip began when her daughter called asking whether the ride had been canceled.
The mother said she had not canceled the trip and quickly realized the driver had ended it instead — while continuing to transport the teenager.
Using a location-sharing app, Ramirez said she noticed the vehicle was traveling in the wrong direction. During a tense phone call, she said she could hear panic in her daughter’s voice as the teen repeatedly asked the driver to stop.
“He’s not listening to me… he’s not stopping the car,” the girl reportedly told her mother.
Ramirez then instructed her daughter to get out of the vehicle and run as soon as she could do so safely.
Surveillance Video Shows Dramatic Escape
Video footage later showed the teen running away from the vehicle and reaching safety, an image that has since circulated widely online.
Police confirmed they are investigating the incident but said it is too early to determine whether criminal charges will be filed.
In a statement, Lyft described the situation as “reprehensible,” adding that the driver involved has been removed from the platform and the company is cooperating with law enforcement.
Safety Concerns Renewed
The incident occurred just days before Lyft announced a new service designed specifically for teenagers aged 13 to 17, allowing parents to monitor trips through the app.
Authorities say the case highlights the importance of safety precautions when using rideshare services, including:
- Sharing live location with trusted contacts
- Tracking trips in real time
- Requesting pickups and drop-offs in public areas
Ramirez said she is grateful her daughter trusted her instincts.
“To me, she’s just a brave teenager,” she said emotionally.
