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PD: Woman attempts to steal Lyft driver's car in Tempe

Tempe PD: Woman attempts to steal 'Lyft' car
Posted at 12:41 PM, Dec 15, 2017
and last updated 2017-12-15 21:57:45-05

A woman in Tempe is accused of flagging down a rideshare driver, and then fighting with the victim over her car. 

Tempe police report that on December 8, a woman, later identified as 39-year-old Kammi Sue Hall, flagged down a Lyft driver near 6th Street and Mill Avenue. 

The rideshare driver, Emilee Sparks, says she was just trying to help the woman, who was crying and in need of a ride. 

"I was raised to do what you can for others," said Sparks, who was willing to pickup Hall even though she was flagged down and not requested via the app.

Hall instructed the driver to take her to an area near Rio Salado Parkway and Priest Drive. Police say the women started arguing, when Sparks walked around to the passenger side, opened the door and asked Hall to get out. 

Hall got out of the car and allegedly attacked Sparks as she walked back to the driver's side of the car. Police say Hall struck Sparks several times and pulled her hair. 

"(She) grabbed my hair and my shirt and ripped my shirt and almost ripped my sweater and had a nice tug on my hair," said Sparks. 

According to Sparks, there were witnesses in the area who were able to call police. 

"I think she was a little out of her mind, just a little bit," Sparks said. "Just a little too drunk."

Hall also pulled Sparks from the vehicle, throwing her to the ground. 

Hall then reportedly tried to steal the car, but Sparks had already removed the keys from the ignition. Police say Hall was still trying to put the car in gear when they arrived and took her into custody. 

Despite the incident, Sparks says she will continue to look for ways to help others. 

"If someone needs a ride I'll probably give it to them," said Sparks. "I'll be more cautious for sure about it."

Sparks also has a message for other rideshare drivers. 

"Be a little bit more careful than I was," said Sparks. 

A man who answered a knock at the door of Hall's listed address told ABC15 she wasn't home. Hall is due back in court on December 22nd. 

She has been charged with assault and attempted car theft.