A Lyft driver in Texas, Dilaver Berk, was brutally attacked by a passenger, 19-year-old Antwain Williams, who slashed his throat, attempted to choke him, and stole his car. Berk has been released from the hospital but is currently bedridden with stitches across his neck and deep gashes on his hands. The incident occurred when Berk picked up Williams for a ride in Frisco, Texas. When they reached the destination, Williams attacked Berk from behind with a knife and a cable or wire, causing severe injuries to Berk’s hands and neck. Williams stole Berk’s car and left him in the apartment building’s parking lot.
A friend of Berk’s, Dustin Tovi, shared details of the incident with the media, stating that Williams repeatedly slashed Berk’s throat while he tried to defend himself. Berk managed to put his hands in front of the knife and urged the attacker to leave him alone. Williams then attempted to choke Berk with a wire, causing additional injuries to his fingers and neck. Despite the traumatic experience, Berk remained brave and tried to protect himself during the attack.
Following the attack, a woman nearby assisted Berk and called 911 to report the incident. Police later located Berk’s stolen Toyota Camry near Highway 423 and Rockhill. When they attempted to pull the driver over, Williams sped away in an attempt to evade arrest. After crashing the vehicle and attempting to flee on foot, Williams was eventually apprehended by the police. He was charged with aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon, evading arrest, and had an outstanding warrant for another offense.
Berk, a hardworking individual who relocated from Turkey to Texas last year, sends money to his parents back home. He is grateful to be alive after the ordeal but remains bedridden while recovering from his injuries. His friend Tovi expressed sadness over what happened to Berk, emphasizing that nobody deserves such a horrific experience. Williams is currently in custody at the Denton County Jail, facing multiple charges for his actions.
The brutal attack on Berk highlights the risks faced by ride-share drivers while on duty. Incidents of violence against drivers have been reported in various parts of the country, underscoring the importance of safety measures for both passengers and drivers. Despite the trauma he experienced, Berk demonstrated courage and resilience during the attack, successfully defending himself and seeking help after the incident. The swift response from law enforcement led to the arrest of the suspect, who now faces legal consequences for his actions.
As Berk continues to recover from his injuries, the community has rallied around him to offer support and assistance during this challenging time. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that ride-share drivers may encounter while providing services to the public. Efforts to improve safety protocols and awareness within the ride-share industry are essential to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Berk’s ordeal has sparked conversations about the need for enhanced safety measures and support for drivers who may face risks while on the job.
