A police officer has revealed how a common rideshare practice could be putting you in severe danger.
The law enforcement officer, who goes by @police_g0tur6 online, has gained over 113,000 followers for sharing helpful advice and safety tips that he’s learned through his job.
Most recently, he posted a stark warning about accepting drinks from drivers, even if they seem like they’re unopened.
In a video that has now been viewed a whopping 11.3 million times, he explained that he was recently ‘made aware’ of a new ‘dangerous’ tactic being used by drivers to take advantage of their riders.
He warned that some drivers have been secretly injecting water bottles with drugs using a needle so they don’t have to break the seal.
That means it will seem like the water bottle is unaltered and completely safe… but in reality, extremely dangerous.
‘All the women and teens out there that take [rideshares] and taxis everywhere, [we] were made aware of a new danger going on. You might want to listen up,’ he began in the now-viral clip.
‘So one of the new things now that they’re doing… as soon as you get in the vehicle, [drivers] will try to offer you a water.
A police officer posted a stark warning about accepting drinks from rideshare drivers (stock image)
‘A lot of times what they’ve done is, they have taken a needle and injected the bottle with a little bit of fentanyl or whatever it is they decide to use to try to make you lethargic or knock you out.’
The officer said any time you get into a vehicle and you don’t personally know the person driving, you should never accept any ‘food or drink they offer you.’
‘It’s just not safe. You don’t know if they’ve laced it with something,’ he added.
Thankfully, he said there is a way to tell if the drink had been secretly altered.
‘If you want to take the water – I wouldn’t – but if you want to, squeeze the bottle,’ he recommended.
‘If water starts leaking out of it, that’s a sure sign that they already laced it with something.’
‘My best advice is, ladies and teens, if you’re getting into a vehicle and you don’t know the person behind the wheel, do not take any food or drink from them,’ he repeated. ‘This is my best advice, I hope y’all stay safe out there.’
Last month, CBS News reported that a Florida-based woman claimed she had been drugged by taking a sip of a Vitamin Water given to her by a man she believed was her Uber driver.
He warned that some drivers have been secretly injecting water bottles with drugs using a needle so they don’t have to break the seal (stock image)
She claimed she then woke up ‘naked on a bed in a dark room with no windows.’
Rafael Martinez, 42, was charged with one count of sexual battery on a physically helpless victim.
‘While the driver was not using Uber at the time of the incident, this report is deeply disturbing and we have banned him from the platform,’ Uber said in a statement at the time.
‘The safety of everyone who uses Uber is a top priority, and we stand ready to assist law enforcement with their investigation.’
Safety expert Dannah Eve, who goes by The Street Smart Blonde online, previously shared a video warning her followers about the dangers of accepting food or drink from a driver – even if it appears to be sealed.
Safety expert Dannah Eve previously shared a video warning her followers about the dangers of accepting food or drink from a driver – even if it appears to be sealed
‘Do not accept anything from your … rideshare driver,’ Dannah began in the viral clip.
‘No water, no mints, no snacks, nothing,’ she continued. ‘And, yes, not even if it’s sealed and looks like it’s never been open.’
The safety expert explained that while ‘99.999 percent’ of drivers are just trying to be nice and do so to have a good rating, there are still ‘horror stories’ that can come out of these seemingly innocent situations.
‘In today’s world, it’s not worth the risk,’ Dannah warned. ‘Politely decline, and never ingest anything.
‘There are unfortunately very bad people out there, and remember, your safety comes before anybody else’s feelings.’
