Lyft driver ‘cocked a gun’ when asked to wear a face mask, Missouri councilwoman says

A Missouri county councilwoman says an unmasked Lyft driver “cocked a gun” on her husband when he was asked to wear a face mask — then canceled the ride, erasing evidence of their encounter from the ride-share app.

In a series of tweets, St. Louis County Councilwoman Lisa Clancy shared what she says happened to her husband as he was trying to get to the airport.

“Hey @lyft one of your drivers just cocked a gun on my husband when he asked him to wear a mask (which is your policy),” Clancy tweeted early Monday morning. “He wants to report it but driver cancelled the ride and there is no longer any trace of it. Please help. (And he has since missed his flight to NYC) @AskLyft.”

Lyft’s policy regarding face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic says: “Before riding or driving with Lyft, you must agree that you’re symptom-free, and will follow CDC guidance related to COVID-19, including wearing a face mask that covers your mouth and nose (as required by federal order). A mask is required even if you’ve been vaccinated.”

The San Francisco-based ride-share company replied, asking Clancy to direct message them. The company’s reply said safety is their first priority and all weapons are prohibited while using Lyft.

A few hours later, Clancy added that her husband immediately went to police.

“They couldn’t do much because he didn’t have info on the driver,” her tweet says. “Driver canceled trip and all info on our end was lost when that happened. We are working with Lyft but they seem more concerned about driver privacy then giving us the info we need.”

Tuesday morning, Clancy shared that Maplewood Police Department is investigating the incident with Lyft, and that the driver has been suspended.

“We are satisfied with how Lyft is handling this at this point,” she tweeted. “Grateful to those who have reached out with kind words.”

Maplewood Police Acting Chief Lt. Matt Nighbor said detectives are investigating the report of a “ride-share driver implying he had a firearm and making a threat,” according to the St. Louis Post Dispatch.

Lyft also confirmed the driver has since been banned and that the company is cooperating with police, the newspaper reported.

Lyft’s safety guidelines say that drivers and riders who are reported as not wearing a face mask will be required to take a selfie in a face mask before using the service in the future.

“We proactively educate all riders and drivers on our Community Guidelines,” Lyft’s safety website says. “Anyone who violates these guidelines or our Terms of Service may be permanently removed from the platform.”

Clancy, a Democrat, represents District 5 of St. Louis County and serves as Chairwoman of the County Council. She’s considered “outspoken” when it comes to supporting mask mandates and other COVID-19 safety precautions, according to the Post Dispatch.