Lyft driver on suspended license faces drug, battery charges after allegedly striking passenger

A Lyft driver is facing criminal charges for the drugs authorities found in his vehicle after he struck and injured a passenger while driving on a suspended license on the Eisenhower Expressway, Cook County prosecutors said Monday.

Prosecutors gave few details as to how and why Antonio Edwards hit his passenger Sunday afternoon. But Illinois State Police said the attack took place as Edwards drove eastbound on I-290 near Loomis Avenue.

After the victim was taken to a nearby hospital, officers found what they believed to be 23 pills of ecstasy and 84 grams of cannabis in Edward’s possession, prosecutors said.

The street value of the drugs was roughly $1,720, prosecutors said.

Edwards, 37, was charged with possession of controlled substance with intent to deliver, reckless conduct and battery.

Judge Susana Ortiz was baffled that Edwards was able to drive for Lyft while on a suspended license.

“One would think they would check into those things, but OK,” the judge said before releasing Edwards on his own recognizance.

Ortiz barred Edwards from driving and ordered him to have no contact with the victim while he awaits trial.

In addition to driving for Lyft, Edwards works as a licensed practical nurse at an area hospital, an assistant public defender said.

Lyft didn’t immediately return a request for comment Monday.

This isn’t the first time Lyft’s vetting process for drivers has been brought into question.

In June, a Lake View attorney sued Lyft, accusing the ride-hailing giant of failing to properly screen and train its drivers, after he was attacked by his Lyft driver.

Scott Gore, 56, asked his driver, Fangqi Lu to take a different route to avoid traffic while en route to Wrigley Field July 1, 2018. The request sparked an argument, which eventually led to Lu punching Gore in the face and driving away, the lawsuit claims.

Lu was driving on an expired license at the time of the incident.

Edwards is expected back in court Oct. 19.