They threatened to rape, torture her… Escaped Inmates Terrorized Lyft Driver
US Marshal Thomas Brown speaks to journalists Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, during a press conference in Decatur, Georgia, about the escaped inmates who were captured late Monday. (Ben Gray /Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)
Three inmates who escaped from a jail east of Atlanta — including a convicted murderer and a murder suspect — forced a Lyft driver to transport them to south Florida before authorities rescued her and captured the men, according to court records.
The driver told FBI agents the men ordered the ride using a fake name. Once inside the vehicle, one of them looped a rope around her neck from behind, dragged her into the backseat, and threatened to kill her, according to a court affidavit filed late Tuesday.
Officials said the inmates managed to breach part of a cell at the DeKalb County Jail to escape. Chief Deputy Temetris Atkins said details about the breach were not disclosed to avoid revealing vulnerabilities to other inmates. He said the damaged area has been repaired and similar locations within the facility are being reinforced. Sheriff Melody Maddox described the jail as an aging structure that is rapidly deteriorating.
The escape was discovered early Monday during a routine security check. Investigators later reviewed recorded jail phone calls and learned that one of the inmates contacted people outside the jail who helped them avoid immediate capture, according to U.S. Marshal Thomas Brown.
Authorities said the inmates were picked up by an unidentified man and taken to the home of one of their girlfriends. From there, a Lyft ride was ordered using a fake female name. Law enforcement tracked the vehicle to south Florida using license plate readers. When officers attempted to stop the car, one inmate fled on foot but was quickly arrested along with another.
Investigators later determined the inmates used the driver’s credit card to rent a short-term home in Miramar, Florida. Officers located the third inmate there and safely rescued the driver.
The driver told investigators she was held for six to ten hours while the men tried to access her phone and online banking accounts. After one failed escape attempt, she reported being subjected to escalating threats of violence. Authorities said she is deeply traumatized by the ordeal.
All three inmates now face federal charges, including kidnapping and escape. One of the men, 24-year-old Stevenson Charles, was being held on charges including murder and armed robbery. The other two — Naod Yohannes, 25, and Yusuf Minor, 31 — were facing charges including armed robbery and arson. Minor was convicted of murder last year.
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