A Jonesboro man is being held on a $250,000 cash or surety bond after police say he stabbed a Lyft driver in the neck and attempted to steal the victim’s vehicle.
Craighead County District Judge David Boling found probable cause to charge Jake Laport with criminal attempt, a Class A felony, and second-degree battery, a Class C felony.
According to the Jonesboro Police Department, officers responded Wednesday to a fight on Griffin Street and found Laport lying underneath a vehicle. Officers reported he was uncooperative, refused to identify himself and appeared to be under the influence of intoxicants.
Investigators later learned the victim was a Lyft driver who had been transporting Laport to several locations before returning to Griffin Street. Police say Laport suddenly attacked the driver, stabbing him in the neck with an unknown object.
According to an affidavit, after the driver exited the vehicle, Laport allegedly got into the driver’s seat and attempted to steal it. The victim re-entered the vehicle and turned off the engine before Laport could drive away, leading to another struggle.
Detectives said surveillance footage, witness statements and other evidence supported the investigation. Officers later recovered the object believed to have been used in the stabbing at Laport’s residence.
Laport’s next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 21.
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