Georgia Jail Escape: Inmates Kidnap Lyft Driver During Flight to Florida

Three inmates—Stevenson Charles, 24; Yusuf Minor, 31; and Naod Yohannes, 25—escaped from the DeKalb County Jail in Georgia early on December 24, 2025. The escape was discovered during a routine security check later that day. Authorities reported that the inmates compromised a portion of their cell to facilitate their escape. Following their breakout, they were picked up by an unidentified individual and taken to Minor's girlfriend's residence, where they ordered a Lyft ride using a fake name.

WJZ - CBS Baltimore

The trio allegedly kidnapped a Lyft driver, holding her hostage during their escape to Florida. According to court documents, the driver was threatened with violence, including being strangled with a rope and facing threats of death. She was forced into the backseat of her own car while the inmates commandeered the vehicle. The driver reported being held for approximately six to ten hours as the inmates attempted to access her phone and banking information. During this time, she endured escalating threats of violence, including potential sexual assault.

New York Post

The inmates traveled to Miramar, Florida, where they used the Lyft driver’s credit card to rent a short-term residence. Law enforcement tracked the vehicle using license plate readers, leading to their apprehension on December 25, 2025. Charles and Yohannes attempted to flee on foot but were captured shortly thereafter. The third inmate, Minor, was located at the rental property, where the driver was also rescued.

New York Post

All three inmates have been charged with kidnapping and escape, with additional charges anticipated. They are currently held in the Broward County Jail, awaiting extradition to Georgia. Charles, who has a history of violent crimes, including murder and armed robbery, was previously sentenced to life in prison for multiple counts of kidnapping and bank robbery.

Longmont Times-CallWJZ - CBS Baltimore

DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox acknowledged the serious breach of security at the aging jail facility, emphasizing the need for immediate repairs and improvements. U.S. Marshal Thomas Brown noted the trauma experienced by the Lyft driver, stating, “As you can imagine, the Lyft driver is very traumatized by this.”

South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Critics have raised concerns about the conditions of the DeKalb County Jail, which has been described as deteriorating. Chief Deputy Temetris Atkins confirmed that the facility's infrastructure was exploited by the inmates, prompting calls for urgent reforms to prevent future escapes.

WJZ - CBS Baltimore

While the timeline of events is generally consistent across sources, there are discrepancies regarding the specific details of the inmates' actions during the kidnapping and the exact nature of the threats made against the driver. Additionally, the circumstances surrounding the inmates' prior criminal records and their motivations for escape remain partially unclear.

WJZ - CBS Baltimore

• “As you can imagine, the Lyft driver is very traumatized by this,” — U.S. Marshal Thomas Brown

New York Post

• “But we either pay now, or we pay later.” — Sheriff Melody Maddox

WJZ - CBS Baltimore

This incident highlights significant security concerns within the DeKalb County Jail and raises questions about the management of inmates with violent histories. The ongoing investigation aims to address these vulnerabilities and ensure the safety of both inmates and the public.

WJZ - CBS Baltimore