Police say the Saturday morning attack left a man in his 60s in critical but stable condition.
RIVERSIDE, CA — A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after an Uber driver was stabbed multiple times during a pickup in Riverside around 8 a.m. Saturday near California Avenue and Adams Street, police said.
Authorities said the assault unfolded as the driver, a man in his 60s, stopped for a fare in the neighborhood just east of the 91 Freeway. Investigators have not identified a motive and said the attack appeared unprovoked. The driver was taken to a hospital in critical but stable condition. The passenger fled on foot but was detained nearby minutes later, according to Riverside police. The case is in its early stages, and detectives plan to present it to prosecutors after interviewing witnesses and reviewing available video from the area.
Officers were dispatched shortly after 8 a.m. to the intersection of California Avenue and Adams Street on reports that a rideshare driver had been attacked inside his vehicle. Investigators said the driver was picking up a passenger when the stabbing occurred. “It sounds like it just may have happened while they were stopped, and this was, from what we gather, completely unprovoked,” Officer Ryan Railsback said. Patrol units located a 24-year-old Riverside man a short distance away who matched witness descriptions. He was taken into custody without further incident, police said, while paramedics rushed the driver to a trauma center with several stab wounds and lacerations.
Detectives said the suspect, whose name has not been released, tried to run from the area immediately after the assault. Officers canvassed the neighborhood for witnesses, collected physical evidence and requested any nearby surveillance footage that may show the moments before and after the attack. Police said they are still working to determine what led to the stabbing. Uber confirmed it had removed the rider from the platform following notification of the incident and said company representatives contacted the driver and were prepared to assist the investigation. Residents who live near the intersection said the scene filled quickly with police units and tape on a typically quiet weekend morning.
The intersection sits in a busy corridor of Riverside bordered by homes, small businesses and access points to the 91. Police said the driver had begun the trip when the attack occurred but did not specify whether the vehicle was in motion at the time. Officers emphasized that, based on the early information, the violence did not stem from a crash or road-rage dispute. The driver’s name was not made public. Hospital officials described his condition as critical but stable, meaning he remained under intensive care while responding to treatment. Police did not detail the type of knife recovered or whether one was found at the scene.
Riverside police booked the suspect on suspicion of attempted murder; additional counts could be considered as evidence is reviewed. Investigators expect to forward the case to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office early this week. Police said the man is expected to make an initial court appearance Wednesday. Detectives will evaluate any rideshare trip data and phone records associated with the pickup and will examine whether earlier contacts between the rider and driver occurred, though none are known at this time. Officers also continued door-to-door checks over the weekend seeking additional witnesses.
Neighbors described a brief but chaotic response. “It’s really heartwrenching and scary,” said Ethan Avileel, who lives nearby. “Hearing that for an Uber driver, that’s pretty sad. He’s doing his job and he’s working and probably didn’t expect anything.” Police said multiple callers reported the attack within minutes. An Uber spokesperson called the assault “absolutely terrifying,” adding that the rider was banned as soon as the company learned of the incident and that it stands ready to assist law enforcement. By late Sunday, the crime-scene tape had been removed, though police units returned periodically as detectives followed up.
As of Monday evening, the driver remained hospitalized in critical but stable condition while investigators continued to collect statements and analyze any video from the area. Police said they would release the suspect’s name once formal charges are filed. An arraignment is expected Wednesday.
Author note: Last updated January 12, 2026.