Lyft driver accused of running over passenger who threatened bad rating

ORLANDO, Fla. (FOX 35 ORLANDO) - Deputies say they stopped a Lyft driver in her car and arrested her, after she ran over a passenger.

Tenykia Bowe said a ride to the store almost got her killed.

"I thought I was going to die," said Bowe. "It's just crazy!"

Deputies said Lyft driver Ileanexie Hernandez was the one who picked up Bowe and her daughter.

"She seemed like she was having a bad night, so I was like, 'Um, I hope that your night gets better,' and she just 'spazzed out' again, went cussing and saying all these different type of words."

As Bowe got out of the car when she arrived back home, she said she told the driver she was going to give her a one-star rating.

"Because her attitude was very nasty," Bowe explained.  "As soon as I said that, she floored the gas going straight back.  That's when she hit me and I fell."

When she tried getting the tag number, Bowe said she was pinned between the car and a wall. She said Hernandez sped off, then came back again.

"Hit the gas, telling us she'll end our life tonight."

By then, a neighbor saw what happened and called 911.  Deputies arrested Hernandez shortly after that. The 34-year-old is charged with aggravated battery. Attorneys said this is her first offense. During a first appearance before judge, Hernandez was instructed not to have any contact with the Bowe.

"I've been using Lyft for two years. I've never experienced anything like this with Lyft," Bowe said. 

Lyft released a statement, which read, "Safety is our top priority and there is absolutely no place in the Lyft community for violence of any sort. We have permanently banned the driver from the Lyft community and have been in touch with the passenger to express our support. We stand ready to assist law enforcement with any investigation into this incident."

Bowe said she fractured her leg and struggles to walk now.  Still, she believes it was a miracle she survived.

"I literally had just got done praying, got off my knees, called the Lyft and went to the store. It's God, ain't nobody but God!"

Bowe said Lyft did call and is trying to help her.  Hernandez is out of jail on a $3,500 bond.