Orlando Man Arrested at IHOP After Allegedly Stabbing Rideshare Driver

Authorities arrested a Florida resident Monday at an IHOP location in northeastern Orlando in connection with the stabbing of a rideshare driver, according to the Orlando Police Department. Jovaughn Nathan Matthie faces an attempted murder charge following the incident, which police say occurred after the driver declined to provide transportation without a request submitted through the rideshare application.

After the assault, Matthie reportedly made his way to a nearby IHOP, where officers located and apprehended him. Body camera footage released by police depicted multiple officers surrounding Matthie as he sat consuming a hot beverage in the otherwise empty establishment, which had been evacuated of patrons.

Officers commanded Matthie repeatedly to comply with arrest procedures, instructing him to lie prone on the ground and position his hands behind his back. When he hesitated to place his hands in the required position, an officer accompanying a police canine warned that Matthie would be bitten if he continued to resist.

Upon being handcuffed and brought to his feet, officers discovered a lengthy object protruding from Matthie’s pocket. A knife wrapped in white cloth was subsequently recovered from his sweatpants during the search, according to body camera documentation.

The Orlando Police Department has declined to disclose the rideshare driver’s medical status or provide additional investigative details, citing the need to safeguard the integrity of the ongoing case.