Two male suspects got in the back of a cab in Newport News, yelling and demanding money from the cab driver. They threatened him with guns and took money and his phone on December 3 after 9:00 p.m.
In light of this, News 3 took action and hailed an Uber to find out what drivers are doing to protect themselves.
"To be able to see the people you're picking up, I think really helps keep you safe, them safe," said Wesley Miller, who drives with both Uber and Lyft. He became a driver to make money.
Uber and Lyft do not allow drivers to have weapons, even if they are licensed to carry. So Miller said he does a couple of things to keep himself safe while he's picking up fares.
"I don't let people sit beside me," said Miller. "A lot of times I scope out before. Like if I'm pulling up, I see them and they look shady or they might have a bunch of people who look shady, I pull forward a little bit, call them, make sure the address is right."
In response to what happened to the cab driver, Miller said he didn't expect something like that to happen in Hampton Roads.
"It's a little bit of a shocker. I'm trying to make a living myself and I have this to contend with this on top of whatever else might pop up. It's a little disheartening," said Miller. "Honesty the car, the money, it's not worth your life in the end."
Newport News Police said the suspects in the armed cab robbery are still on the loose. Anyone with information is asked to call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.
