Men Sue Lyft, Claim Driver Pulled Out Gun, Used Homophobic Slur

CHICAGO, IL — Two men are suing Lyft after they said their driver kicked them out of her car, used a homophobic slur, and pointed a gun at them. The men said the driver threatened to "blast" them in the city's Lakeview East neighborhood. Police said the incident happened at around 2 a.m. on Sept.1.

Charlie Calvin, 31, and a passenger–who asked to remain anonymous–left the Sidetrack nightclub, and ordered a ride from Lyft, police said. Jaleesa Rance, 25, picked them up.

During the ride, an argument started over driving directions, and Rance allegedly took a gun out from a console, pointed it at Calvin, and yelled at them to get out of her car, the lawsuit claims.

Calvin got out in the 400 block of West Melrose Street while Rance continued to point a gun at him, the lawsuit claims. Rance allegedly used a homophobic slur and said "I'll blast you." Calvin and the other passenger took a photo of Rance holding the gun.

The lawsuit claims that Lyft doesn't train its drivers and that they aren't routinely monitored.

Lyft issued a statement saying it immediately took action after hearing the allegations.

"The behavior being described violates multiple Lyft policies, including our non-discrimination and no weapons policies," Lyft said in the statement. "As soon as this incident was reported to us, we deactivated the driver and reached out to the passenger to offer our assistance."

Rance was charged with aggravated assault and unlawful use of a weapon.

Image courtesy of Chicago Police Department