A Texas-based Lyft driver was brutally assaulted and robbed by a passenger, who also attempted to strangle him. The driver, 25-year-old Dilaver Berk, was released from the hospital but remains confined to his bed, grateful to be alive. The incident occurred when Berk picked up a passenger on a Monday, who subsequently attacked him from behind and stole his vehicle, as reported by the Frisco Police.
The alleged assailant, 19-year-old Antwain Williams, has been charged with aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon and evading arrest. Williams was also wanted on an outstanding warrant for allegedly inciting a minor to engage in a sexual act. Berk, who now has stitches across his neck and bandages on his hands, told the police that he picked up Williams while working for Lyft on a Monday evening in Frisco, Texas.
The assault took place when they arrived at Williams’ destination, the Legends at Legacy Apartments on 3700 Legacy Drive, shortly before 6 p.m. Berk reported that the suspect attacked him from behind with a knife and then attempted to strangle him with a cable or wire. Williams allegedly slashed Berk’s throat multiple times and attempted to choke him in an effort to steal his car.
Berk’s friend, Dustin Tovi, recounted the horrifying incident to Fox 4. He said Berk tried to protect himself by putting his hands in front of the knife and pleaded with the attacker to leave him alone. Despite his efforts, Berk sustained severe injuries to his fingers and neck. According to Frisco Police, Williams stole Berk’s Toyota Camry and left him in the apartment building’s parking lot. A nearby woman came to Berk’s aid and called 911.
Hours later, a patrol officer located the stolen vehicle near Highway 423 and Rockhill. When police attempted to stop the driver, he sped off, leading to a chase. Williams eventually crashed and tried to escape on foot but was apprehended. Berk, who moved from Turkey to Texas last year, works to send money to his parents back home. His friend Tovi described him as a hard worker and expressed sadness over the incident, stating that no one deserves such a brutal attack.
Williams is currently being held in Denton County Jail.