Doomed Drive For Shoebox 'Passenger' On Ride-Share

SAUSALITO, CA – Alas for a wobegone pair of tennis shoes that now rest in the hands of the Marin County Sheriff's Office, sitting in "evidence" and waiting to be reunited with their owner.

Deputies on a recent night were positioned on an onramp from Sausalito when a ride-share driver pulled up, asked for help and regaled a bizarre tale involving a shoebox.

The man told law enforcement that he was hired by a female passenger requesting to be picked up in San Francisco and driven to Tiburon, deputies said. As directed, the driver went to the pick-up location, but unexpectedly was greeted by a man, who said he did not need a ride, but did want a parcel delivered to the woman, who initially requested the service, the agency said.

"The driver was hesitant about delivering an unknown package," deputies said, "however, since the man knew the name of the person who requested the ride, he agreed to do it."

The driver was handed a shoebox, placed it on the passenger floorboard and headed off to Marin.

As he crossed the Golden Gate Bridge, however, the ride-share abruptly was "canceled." Now nervous on what might be in that package, the driver came across the deputies, sought aid, told his story and handed over the mystery shoebox.

Deputies took charge of the box, opened it and discovered a pair of tennis shoes with suspected fentanyl stuffed in the right shoe, according to authorities.

"Since the driver wanted nothing to do with the shoes or the drugs, the deputies placed the items into evidence and will be waiting for the owner to claim them," the department said.

Anyone? Anyone? To claim, call the Marin County Sheriff's Office at (415) 479-2311.

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