A Lancaster Uber driver was recently convicted of aggravated assault and two charges of simple assault regarding an incident on August 30, 2020, when he threatened a passenger with a firearm.

Lorenzo Lee Plauger, 28 of the 30 block of West New Street, faces a maximum of 14 years in prison when Lancaster County Judge Dennis Reinaker orders sentence at a later date.

The jury returned its verdict around 11:15 a.m. on Wednesday, March 23 after beginning deliberations at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday following the two-day trial.

On August 30, 2020, around 7 p.m., police were dispatched to S. Franklin Street for the report of a robbery. The victim reported to be robbed by an Uber driver at gunpoint and that the suspect had fled in his black Hyundai sedan.

Plauger pulled into an alleyway near 600 E. Mifflin Street and locked the doors of the vehicle before pulling out a black handgun, pointing it at the victim’s head and saying, “give me all your money you got.”

The victim was able to grab the gun and fight it out of Plauger’s grip. The gun then fell between the car seat and the driver’s door. Plauger then struck the victim with his hands before the victim was able to escape.

Police and the victim were able to identify Plauger by looking into his Uber profile, which showed his name and the Hyundai.

Plauger was also charged with robbery but was found not guilty of the charge by the jury. The aggravated assault conviction, a second-degree felony, will prevent Plauger from carrying, purchasing, or possessing firearms.

Lancaster City Bureau of Police Officer Matthew Deibler filed charges, testified, and attended the entirety of trial.

Assistant District Attorney Kyle Linardo prosecuted the case. 

Assistant District Attorney Cody Wade assisted with the prosecution.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sean McBryan, semcbryan@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @SeanMcBryanLanc.