BOYNTON BEACH, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — A Boynton Beach Uber driver was allegedly kidnapped at gunpoint during a ride request earlier this month, held for nearly two hours while suspects attempted to drain credit cards, and later released after the suspects fled, according to police and court records.
Boynton Beach Police arrested 20-year-old Isaiah Emmanuel Thurston and 24-year-old Jakeria Dytrice Riley in connection with the incident. Both face felony charges including kidnapping and armed robbery. Riley is also charged with possession of a controlled substance, and court records show additional probation-related violations tied to the case.
The incident began Jan. 16 when the Uber driver picked up a ride near the Catalina Center in Boynton Beach. Investigators say a masked suspect wearing all black entered the vehicle, pressed a firearm into the driver’s back, and forced the driver to cancel the ride. During the encounter, a female accomplice was summoned and entered the vehicle.
Police say the suspects then forced the driver to continue driving through West Palm Beach and Riviera Beach for nearly two hours. During that time, the suspects allegedly attempted multiple cash withdrawals using credit cards taken from the victim. After returning to Boynton Beach, the suspects fled the vehicle, leaving the driver behind.
A coordinated investigation followed, involving multiple specialized units within the Boynton Beach Police Department. Detectives ultimately located both suspects near the Courtyard Marriott in Boynton Beach, where they were taken into custody.
During Riley’s arrest, officers reported finding cocaine and multiple credit cards in her possession. Jail records show Riley was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail early Jan. 17. Thurston was also booked the same morning and remains in custody.
Court filings indicate Thurston is charged with kidnapping to commit or facilitate the commission of a felony and armed robbery with a firearm. Riley faces the same charges, along with felony possession of cocaine and a probation violation. Bond records show no bond was set on the kidnapping and armed robbery counts, while bond was set at $5,000 on the drug charge.
The case has been assigned to circuit court in Palm Beach County. A judge found probable cause for the charges, ordered pretrial detention proceedings, and issued no-contact orders involving the victim and between the co-defendants. Additional conditions include prohibitions on alcohol and illegal drug use.
Investigators credited a wide-ranging law enforcement response for bringing the case to a close. Units involved included the Major Case Unit, Digital Forensic Unit, Real Time Crime Center, Road Patrol, Community Response Team, Drone Team, K-9 Unit, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit.
Police also acknowledged assistance from the Florida Department of Corrections Probation team, which helped identify Thurston as a suspect during the investigation.
The case is scheduled to return to court for further proceedings in the coming weeks. Both defendants remain in custody at the Palm Beach County Jail as the case moves forward through the judicial process.
