Through Maria Spiller
January 19, 2026
Police say the suspects forced the driver to travel for hours through Palm Beach County while trying to use stolen credit cards.
Boynton Beach police have arrested two suspects accused of kidnapping an Uber driver at gunpoint and forcing the victim to drive them for nearly two hours across Palm Beach County as they tried to access stolen credit cards. Police identified the main suspect as 20-year-old Isaiah Thurston.
According to Boynton Beach police, the incident occurred on Friday, January 16, after an Uber driver picked up what appeared to be a routine ride request near the Catalina Center in Boynton Beach. Officers said the situation quickly escalated when the passenger entered the vehicle.
Investigators said Thurston was dressed in all black and wearing a ski mask when he allegedly pressed a firearm into the driver’s back. Authorities said the suspect then ordered the driver to cancel the trip and called for a second person, later identified as 24-year-old Jakeria Riley.
The victim told officers that the two suspects forced them to continue driving through several cities, including West Palm Beach and Riviera Beach. During the nearly two-hour ordeal, police said the suspects attempted to withdraw money from ATMs using multiple credit cards that were believed to be stolen.
Investigators said the driver continued to be threatened during the ride and complied out of fear for his safety. Police reports indicate the suspects eventually fled when the vehicle returned to Boynton Beach. according to Unpleasant WPBF.
Following the victim’s report, detectives launched an investigation that led them to a Courtyard Marriott hotel in the area. Authorities located Thurston and Riley nearby and took both into custody.
During a search of the home, officers said Riley was found in possession of cocaine and several credit cards that did not belong to her. Police did not immediately announce whether the cash withdrawal attempts were successful.
The couple was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail on multiple charges, including kidnapping, armed robbery, possession of a controlled substance, probation violation and resisting arrest.
Police records indicate more charges may be pending as the investigation continues.
Court records show Riley appeared in court on Jan. 18 and no bond was set. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 16 at 10:30 a.m. Thurston refused to appear in court on Sunday and his initial appearance was postponed. He remains in custody.
Police have not released the name of the Uber driver due to security and privacy concerns. Authorities say the case remains under investigation and urge anyone with additional information to contact Boynton Beach police.
No injuries were reported, but officers described the incident as a serious and dangerous crime involving the use of a firearm.
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