CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Lyft driver takes passenger on 120 mph ride

UNION COUNTY, N.C. — A Lyft passenger was taken on a white-knuckle ride as the driver pushed the pedal to the metal with speeds reaching more than 120 mph, officials said.

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The Dodge Charger SRT sped past a Highway Patrol trooper in Union County but the trooper didn’t catch up with the Lyft driver.

The passenger took video of the hair-raising trip.

"I just heard his engine rev up and then, that's when I pulled out my camera," the passenger, who did not want to be identified, said.

The passenger and the driver had a casual conversation about the sports car that has a top speed of 182 mph.

That was when the driver showed off the engine’s power.

The trooper clocked the vehicle going more than twice the 55-mph posted speed limit.

"I was like, ‘What the hell, dude?’ And then he said, ‘There's a blue light. I'm going to jail. I've got to go,’" the passenger said.

The trooper said the car swerved through traffic and passed on a double yellow line.

He tried to catch up but couldn't.

Troopers said the Charger was going so fast, they couldn't even try to follow.

The passenger said they drove behind a home and the driver turned the lights off.

"He straight up told me, ‘You're going to Charlotte with me,’" the passenger said.

The passenger got out in Indian Trail and called troopers.

Authorities tracked down Michael Cranford Jr., of Charlotte, who did not deny his need for speed.

Lyft sent Channel 9 a statement that read in part: "Safety is Lyft's top priority and any behavior threatening the safety or comfort of any community member is not tolerated."

The company also said it deactivated the driver.

Troopers pulled Cranford over at least three times in the past for speeding by troopers, but those charges were reduced, and the cases were disposed of, according to court records.

In this recent case, he's facing charges, including reckless driving and speeding.

Lyft also said it conducts background checks regularly. The company also said it reached out the passenger to offer support and law enforcement to assist.

Cox Media Group