Yukon Taxi Driver Charged After Police Say He Kidnapped His Passenger

Million Woldeyes, 49, has been charged with kidnapping for extortion after police said he held a man hostage for money.

Yukon police said earlier this month the suspect picked up a couple in Yukon who wanted to go to Oklahoma City.

But, after a wild turn of events, investigators said one victim was left at a gas station and the other was kidnapped and had to jump from the cab.

“It makes you wonder what was going through his head,” said Maj. Matt Fairchild of the Yukon Police Department.

According to police reports, the victims originally "tried to call a family member to pick them up..." but no one was available. So instead, they called a taxi for a ride to Oklahoma City.

But while they were in the cab the victims said, "a family member called back and was able to pick them up."

The victims said they asked the driver to pull into 7-Eleven and drop them off, and that he appeared angry and began driving recklessly, but eventually pulled over.

The woman said she went to the ATM to pay for the cab ride while her husband waited in the car.

When she came back out, she said the driver demanded more money and drove off.

Police said the wife then called 911.

Caller: I came to the ATM. I tried to give him $15, and he said; ‘oh no' I want $35.’ He took off with my husband in the car.

Dispatch: OK, is the cab driver still there?

Caller: No, he took off with my husband in the car. He was all mad and driving crazy.

Caller: It's just bad. I just need my husband.

Dispatch: Which direction did they go?

Caller: The highway from 7-Eleven.

Caller: Do you know where they might be going?

Caller: No. He said, 'we are going to Oklahoma City.' I need money.'

The callers husband eventually jumped from the vehicle and made it back to the 7-Eleven, according to police.

“He was able to jump out of the car as the taxicab driver slowed down to stop,” said Fairchild. “I think he saw that as his opportunity to get away because he made a statement that he was driving very recklessly also.”

The suspect, Million Woldeyes, was later interviewed by Yukon police.

Woldeyes requested a translator, and officers said he confessed to the kidnapping.

Luckily, police said the victims were not hurt.

A court date has not been set for the suspect.