Ride-Share Driver Stabs Passenger At I-87 Rest Stop Over Fare Disagreement: NYSP

SUFFERN, NY — A dispute over a ride-share fare turned violent this week in the Hudson Valley.

On Wdnesday, members of State Police Troop T, SP Tarrytown and Troop F Bureau of Criminal Investigation arrested Joel A. Guzman, 32, of Brooklyn, in connection with an altercation at a Thruway service area in Rockland County that eventually culminated in New York City.

The incident began shortly before 7 a.m. on when troopers responded to a 911 call at the Suffern Tandem Lot on the New York State Thruway (I-87) in the town of Ramapo for a reported stabbing.

Investigator say that the victim, a 32-year-old man from California, had been initially driven to the Sloatsburg Service Area by the ride-share driver, identified as Guzman.

However, police say, an apparent miscommunication had occurred, as the intended dropoff was the Suffern Tandem Lot, approximately a half mile away. The ride-share driver took the passenger to the Suffern Lot, but upon arrival, an altercation between Guzman and the victim ensued regarding the payment, according to cops.

Guzman ultimately attacked the victim with a knife, police say. The victim was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening defensive lacerations on his arm.

Guzman fled the scene and a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) was issued for his vehicle, according to NYSP. He was later located by the MTA Police Department on the RFK Bridge in New York City and a knife was located in the vehicle, according to NYSP. Guzman was transported by Troop NYC back to Troop T, SP Tarrytown, for processing.

He was charged with felony assault and criminal possession of a weapon.

Guzman was arraigned in Ramapo Town Court and released on $1,000 cash bail with a $5,000 bond, and 10 percent partially secured $20,000 bond. He is due back in Ramapo Town Court later this month.

An Order of Protection was issued for the victim.

The State Police thanked the Rockland and Westchester Counties Real Time Crime Centers, the MTA Police Department, and Troop NYC Uniform Force and Bureau of Criminal Investigation for being instrumental in promptly locating and apprehending the suspect.