A routine Uber ride turned violent Monday morning in Orlando when a passenger allegedly stabbed the driver in the chest following a dispute over which route to take, authorities said.
Jovaughn Matthie, 42, was apprehended hours later at a nearby IHOP, where he sat casually sipping coffee as officers attempted to take him into custody, according to body camera footage released by the Orlando Police Department.
Background
The incident unfolded in the area of East Marks Street and Kenilworth Terrace when an Uber driver was dropping off another passenger. Matthie approached the vehicle and requested a ride, authorities said.
According to an arrest report obtained by Fox affiliate WOFL, Matthie entered the front seat and asked to be taken to a location about five minutes away. When the driver declined to deviate from the GPS-recommended route, Matthie allegedly produced a knife and stabbed him in the chest.
The attack happened without warning, authorities confirmed. The victim was transported to an area hospital with injuries that police described as serious but non-life-threatening.
The Investigation
Orlando Police tracked Matthie to the nearby IHOP within hours of the attack. Body camera footage captured the surreal scene of the suspect calmly drinking coffee as officers surrounded him with Tasers drawn, WOFL reported.
"Get on the ground, lay on your stomach, do it now," an officer ordered, according to the video. Matthie allegedly ignored commands and continued sipping his beverage until a police dog was deployed, prompting compliance, authorities said.
Officers arrested Matthie and discovered a knife wrapped in a rag in his pocket, police confirmed. He was transported to the Orange County Jail without incident.
Matthie has been charged with second-degree attempted murder and resisting arrest without violence, according to the Orlando Police Department. An Uber spokesperson told WOFL that the victim was providing Matthie a ride as a courtesy outside of an official trip.
Key Takeaways
- Jovaughn Matthie, 42, is facing charges of second-degree attempted murder following the attack on an Uber driver in Orlando
- The dispute began when Matthie demanded a different route than what the GPS recommended
- Officers tracked Matthie to a nearby IHOP where he was arrested without further incident
- Body camera footage shows Matthie sipping coffee as officers attempted to take him into custody
- A police dog was deployed before Matthie complied with commands
- Police found a knife wrapped in a rag in his pocket upon arrest
What's Next
Matthie appeared before a judge for his first appearance, where he reportedly asked to represent himself. The presiding judge advised him to accept a public defender due to his lack of legal training.
The defendant was ordered to remain in jail without bond. When told the amount could not be set even at a million dollars, Matthie allegedly responded: "If it's set at zero, am I OK to leave?"
Matthie's next court appearance is scheduled for Friday, according to reports from WOFL. Police have not provided an update on the Uber driver's condition as of this report.