Lyft Driver Chases Hit-and-Run Suspect After Pedestrian Strike

A Lyft driver’s routine late-night wait for a passenger transformed into a high-speed chase early Friday morning after he witnessed a severe hit-and-run. Octave Gwin was waiting for a customer around 1 a.m. when he saw a driver run a red light and strike two pedestrians. The suspect’s vehicle hit one victim, sending him airborne, and then reportedly circled back to strike the injured man again as he lay on the ground. The car then drove over the victim’s arm while exiting a parking lot. Gwin pursued the suspect, describing the incident as “kind of like ‘Grand Theft Auto.’”

The pursuit covered several miles. Gwin followed the erratic driver, who hit a sign and a tree, and eventually saw smoke. He continued the chase into an apartment complex, where the suspect exited through another gate. Phoenix Police, assisted by a SWAT team, apprehended the driver. Authorities suspect the driver was impaired. The pedestrian victim was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Gwin explained his actions, stating, “Everyone is somebody, and no one should be left like that. That’s just pretty much why I did it, just because I have a lot of empathy and I just love people.” He has since posted about the incident on social media and hopes to connect with the victim. Police have not yet released the suspect’s identity or charges.