Lyft Driver Stabbed in Neck During Alleged Robbery Attempt in Jonesboro

JONESBORO, Ark. — A Lyft driver was stabbed in the neck before fighting off a passenger who allegedly tried to steal his SUV, according to Jonesboro police.

Jake E. Laport, 36, was arrested on suspicion of criminal attempt to commit aggravated robbery, a Class A felony, and second-degree battery, a Class C felony. The battery charge alleges Laport recklessly caused serious physical injury while intoxicated.

According to a probable cause affidavit, officers were dispatched July 8 to Griffin Street after receiving a report of a fight. Witnesses told officers that two people had been involved in a physical altercation and that one of them had left in a black SUV.

Officers found Laport lying underneath a nearby vehicle without a shirt, the affidavit said. He had a busted lip, was uncooperative and initially refused to identify himself. Officers also reported smelling intoxicants on him.

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Around the same time, the alleged victim arrived at the Jonesboro Police Department in a black SUV and reported that he had been stabbed during an altercation on Griffin Street. Officers observed a puncture wound on the side of his neck. He was treated by medical personnel and taken to a hospital for further evaluation.

The driver told detectives he had been working for Lyft and had transported Laport to several locations before returning him to a residence on Griffin Street. He said Laport appeared intoxicated and suddenly attacked him without provocation, stabbing him in the neck with an unknown object.

The driver exited the SUV and ordered Laport to get out, according to the affidavit. Instead, Laport allegedly climbed from the rear passenger seat into the driver’s seat and attempted to leave with the vehicle. The driver got back inside, turned off the engine, and struck Laport several times while attempting to regain control of the SUV. He then reportedly pulled Laport from the driver’s seat and drove directly to the police department to report the incident.

Detectives processed the scene and the victim’s vehicle, recovering blood evidence and other items that police said were consistent with the driver’s account, the affidavit said. Investigators also reviewed city camera footage that reportedly corroborated the locations the driver said he had transported Laport to.

During a search of Laport, officers recovered an object that they said may have been used in the stabbing. Laport allegedly made statements acknowledging his involvement in an altercation, although officers said he sometimes appeared confused and asked where he was.

Laport received medical treatment before being taken to the Craighead County Detention Center.

On July 10, Laport appeared before Judge David Boling, who set bond at $250,000 cash or surety. Laport’s next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 21.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.