Route Recalculated

Every day, people use ride share services. Because there are so many lawsuits, people are afraid of riding with Uber and Lyft. I never had to worry about being a victim until I became one. The devil never truly reveals himself.

One night around 11:30 pm, I ordered an Uber. I was leaving Asheville North Carolina. The driver was an older gentleman that was nice and courteous. He said: If you feel tired, you can take a nap. Its a good thing I didn't.

As I left my destination, I noticed that he took a different route. I was coming from Asheville North Carolina headed back to Shelby North Carolina. The driving distance is an hour and 25 minutes. So, when I saw signs heading towards South Carolina, I felt very uneasy.

I remained calmed and asked him to pull over at a gas station. I had no idea where I was. The cashier and a customer told me if I saw a sign for Saluda, I was headed the right way. But I never saw that sign.

I knew that I had to remain calm, so I called 911. We spoke in code so that we wouldn't alert the driver.

His vehicle beeps and says: Welcome to South Carolina. I told him that I needed to get out and stretch my legs. I asked the 911 operator, if I'm on I-40 West, am I going the right way to get to Shelby? She said no. You are supposed to be on I-40 East. I already knew that from previous experience.

I was in Landrum South Carolina. There were no landmarks. There was nothing but open highway. Running wasnt exactly a good idea. I also noticed that we were being followed by a transfer truck.

When he stopped the car, the transfer truck pulled over. When I asked him about it, he said, the driver pulled over to rest. How would you know that? Him and this driver must have had plans but when I figured things out, that ruined everything. This felt like something out of a horror movie.

The police arrived. One of the officers spoke with me to get my side of the story. I told him I had left Asheville to go to Shelby and now, I'm here. The other officer knocks on the window and the driver pretends he is asleep. Sir, why are your pants unzipped? He gave no answer.

Then, the officer that I was speaking with begins to ask me stupid questions. Does the driver appear to be drunk? Is he under the influence of drugs. This next question made no sense at all. What types of medical conditions does he have? No offense, but why the h*** are you asking me these questions? I am not a detective and this is not an interrogation.

The driver is all upset, saying I have him looking like a criminal. Looking like a criminal? Sir, you took me across state lines. In my book, that makes you a criminal. The driver was asked to call me another Uber. He claimed he couldn't get one. Go figure. The police let him drive off. Meanwhile, I'm in the middle of nowhere.

This sequence of events continues. The officers asked: can you get someone to meet us halfway to take you home? Meet you halfway? Its around 4 am. You can't be serious. Its your job to escort me home, no matter the location.

I saw a nearby gas station. I asked if it was open 24 hours. They said, we don't feel comfortable leaving you here. Oh, now you want to protect and serve. Where was protect and serve when you let that criminal drive off? I told them I would call another Uber and wait in the gas station so they left.

When I entered the gas station, the cashier looked at me and said: I've had a rough day and nothing else can happen to top that. When I told her my story, she said, what the f***? And they let him drive off? I said yes. I waited for a 2nd Uber to come. When it arrived, I went back to Asheville. I was glad to be alive.

To end this story I say this: Always trust your intuition when something doesn't feel right. Pay close attention and use your insight.