A driver for Lyft in Nashville has been arrested after a ride‐share passenger alleged he exposed himself, played pornography and then masturbated during the ride.
According to the arrest affidavit in Davidson County, Tennessee, the incident occurred on February 26, 2024. The driver, Joseph D. Langhans, allegedly picked up an adult female passenger and, shortly after the ride began near the intersection of Ezell Pike and Murfreesboro Road, exposed his genitals. He then reportedly displayed pornography on his phone mounted to the dashboard and began masturbating in front of the passenger.
The passenger ignored his actions and took a phone call from her sister. Langhans supposedly said he would stop because she wasn’t paying attention to him, the affidavit states. She exited the vehicle and later reported the incident to police.
Investigators used a photo lineup based on Langhans’s Tennessee driver’s license. He declined to speak with them. A warrant was subsequently issued and he was arrested this past weekend, charged with indecent exposure.
Lyft responded to the allegations by stating that the described behavior is unacceptable and that, upon learning of the complaints, they had permanently removed the driver from their platform. They also said they’re cooperating with law enforcement.
A safety expert, Rob Chadwick, who works with the U.S. Concealed Carry Association and previously served in the FBI, weighed in on the incident. He emphasized that riders should view a ride-share as a business transaction, not a social interaction—and that passengers have no obligation to be “polite” if they feel unsafe.
Chadwick recommends the following safety steps for ride-share passengers:
Verify the vehicle and license plate before getting in. Sit in the back seat behind the driver when possible. Limit conversation and avoid sharing personal information. Share ride-details (driver, plate, route) with someone you trust. Monitor the route and question unexpected detours. Trust your intuition—if something feels wrong, end the ride safely. If safe, discreetly record or livestream the ride. Get yourself to a safe location before calling 911, because you may still be alone while waiting for police.