Craighead County, Arkansas – A Craighead County man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he stabbed a Lyft driver in the neck during a ride and then tried to take the driver’s vehicle before police intervened. The case, which remains under investigation, has led to a substantial bond as the suspect awaits his next court appearance.
According to court records, 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 for recklessly causing serious injury while intoxicated. The judge set Laport’s bond at $250,000 cash or surety.
The incident unfolded on Wednesday, July 8, when Jonesboro police officers were called to Griffin Street after receiving reports of a fight. When officers arrived, they found Laport underneath a vehicle. Investigators said he was uncooperative with officers at the scene and refused to identify himself. Police also reported noticing the smell of intoxicants while speaking with him.
While officers were responding to the disturbance, the victim went directly to the Jonesboro Police Department to report that he had been stabbed during an altercation on Griffin Street. After making the report, the victim sought medical treatment at a local hospital, where detectives continued gathering details about what had happened.
During the investigation, officers learned the victim worked as a Lyft driver and had been transporting Laport before the violence occurred. According to the victim, he had driven Laport, whom he believed to be intoxicated, to several different locations before returning to Griffin Street.
Investigators said the situation escalated without warning.
“Following the assault, the victim exited the vehicle and ordered Laport to get out,” the affidavit said. “Instead, Laport exited the rear passenger seat, ran to the driver’s side door, entered the driver’s seat and attempted to steal the victim’s vehicle.”
Police said the victim had been stabbed in the neck with an unknown object during the confrontation. Rather than allowing the suspect to drive away, the victim reportedly re-entered the vehicle to shut off the engine before Laport could leave the scene. Authorities said the victim then began striking Laport in an effort to stop the attempted theft.
As detectives worked to piece together the sequence of events, they reviewed city surveillance camera footage, interviewed the victim and compared additional evidence collected during the investigation. Authorities said the information they gathered was consistent with the victim’s account of the incident.
Investigators later went to Laport’s residence, where they reported finding the object believed to have been used during the stabbing. According to police, Laport made statements acknowledging that an altercation had occurred, although investigators noted that he also appeared confused at times during questioning.
The case has now moved into the court system, with prosecutors pursuing the felony charges approved following the probable cause hearing. If convicted, Laport could face significant legal consequences because of the seriousness of the allegations, including the attempted theft of the vehicle and the injuries reportedly suffered by the driver.
Laport remains scheduled to appear in court again on Aug. 21, when the case is expected to proceed through the next stage of the legal process. Until then, the charges remain allegations, and the case will continue to be handled through the Craighead County court system.
