Michael Kleopa Arrested After Threatening Uber Driver

UPDATE

As of April 13th, 2023, all charges were dropped by the State Attorney’s office due to an uncooperative victim. Kleopa tells Boca Post that his weapon was returned to him by Delray Beach Police and his Concealed Weapon License is not suspended.

Originally reported by Boca Post

BOCA RATON, FL – Boca Post (BocaPost.com) — Michael Kleopa of Boca Raton has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a firearm after what he said and did to an Uber driver in Delray Beach.

According to an arrest affidavit submitted by the Delray Beach Police Department, officers responded to the 301 W Atlantic Avenue area in response to a disturbance involving an uber driver and her rider. When officers arrived, the Uber driver told them that the passenger would not get out of her vehicle.

When officers approached the man, later identified as 45-year-old Michael Kleopa, they immediately observed a firearm in Kleopa’s waistband. The arresting officer reports that he gave Kleopa numerous commands to place his hands on the seat which he was unable to comprehend until after being told numerous times. Once he complied, the firearm was secured and Kleopa was handcuffed.

The Uber driver told Police that she initially picked Kleopa up at Salt Seven where he was verbally confrontational with her. The driver says that Kleopa said “I hate you”, she says because she is black. Kleopa was angry but the driver was still willing to take him to his destination. Kleopa allegedly told the Uber driver “I’m going to boom boom you” as he pushed his fingers, like a gun, into her head. Kleopa said “you do not understand what I mean, I’m gonna boom boom you”. The Uber driver explained to the Police Kleopa thought she didn’t understand because of her nationality; however, she clearly understood as she called the Police.

Police say that Kleopa was slurring his words and was unable to comprehend what was going on. Kleopa reportedly told Police he “literally got picked u here”, indicating that the destination was the beginning of the Uber ride.

Kleopa was arrested and charged with the following:

• 784.021(1A) AGGRAVATED ASSAULT WITH A FIREARM
• 784.03(1A1) SIMPLE BATTERY (TOUCH OR STRIKE)
• 856.011 DISORDERLY INTOXICATION