Lyft driver accused of threatening passengers with metal pipe

BOSTON — A Lyft driver will appear in court Monday after he was accused of threatening his passengers with a metal pipe.

The incident happened in the area of Hanover and Clark streets in Boston's North End on Sunday morning.

MORE: Lyft driver arrested for assaulting and threatening two passengers

A woman said she forgot her cell phone in the driver's car, and when her boyfriend called the driver, Jesse Colon, he asked to return the phone in exchange for some money.

Police said Colon brought the phone back to the couple, but was not happy with the amount of money the boyfriend was offering.

The couple and driver then began to argue, and that's when Colon allegedly went back to his car and grabbed the metal pipe.

The couple told police that Colon grabbed the woman by the neck and threatened to hit them with the pipe.

The woman's boyfriend was able to get Colon off her and police were called.

Police at the scene said they could see red marks on the woman's neck.

Boston 25 News spoke with some people who use the ride sharing service.

"I feel like the majority of the time it's completely fine, but that's kind of horrifying," Caitlyn Kurinsky said. "I feel like i'd just be like, 'Forget the cell phone at this point.'"

Lyft sent Boston 25 News a statement Sunday night and said, "These allegations are extremely concerning. The safety of the Lyft community is our number one priority. We have reached out to the passenger to offer our assistance and have deactivated the driver. We stand ready to assist any police investigation."

Colon will appear in Boston Municipal Court on Monday.

He faces several charges including assault and battery, and assault by means of a dangerous weapon.

Cox Media Group