Cops: Uber Driver Pulled Gun On Passenger Who Warned That He Might Vomit In Car Share

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An Uber driver leveled a handgun at a passenger during a dispute Friday evening that began when the driver, fearing that his customer was going to throw up in the Lexus, attempted to yank him from the vehicle, Florida cops report.

According to investigators, Patrick McDonald, 67, was driving Shane Fabry and other passengers home around 8 PM when Fabry asked McDonald to pull the car over “in the event that he began to vomit.”

After McDonald (seen at right) stopped the auto, Fabry, 27, advised that he was “feeling better and no longer felt like he was going to be sick.” McDonald, however, apparently did not want to take any chances. The driver “told the victim that he needed to get out the car and he was not to throw up” in the $75,000 ride.

Upon opening the rear passenger door, McDonald “attempted to pull the victim out of the car by grabbing his left arm,” a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputy alleged. During the argument that ensued, McDonald first took an “aggressive fighting stance” and then reached into the car and “produced a black semi-automatic handgun,” according to a probable cause affidavit.

Fabry--a licensed private investigator who also holds a Florida firearms license--and a witness said that McDonald pointed the guy directly at Fabry, who is pictured at left.

When questioned by cops, McDonald admitted “grabbing the gun out of the car,” but denied pointing it at Fabry. McDonald said he retrieved the weapon “because he was in fear for his life.” Asked why he was scared, McDonald replied that his passengers were talking about “sticking dicks in his ear.”

McDonald was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, a felony, and misdemeanor battery. He was released from custody Saturday after posting $2500 bond, and is scheduled for a February 26 court appearance.

Earlier today, Fabry placed a link on his Facebook page to a Bradenton Herald story about McDonald’s collar. In response, one of Fabry’s friends remarked, “Nice... You should have puked in that shit!!” Another pal declared, “You shoulda shit too. LOL.”