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Prosecutor fired after Uber driver records her hitting him and calling him a 'retard' in drunken outburst

Yahoo7
Updated

A US prosecutor has been fired after an Uber driver claims she falsely accused him of attacking and kidnapping her.

Shaun Platt, 26, was driving Dallas County Assistant District Attorney Jody Warner home from a bar when he claims she got angry at him for getting lost, physically and verbally attacked him, and then accused him of kidnapping her.

District Attorney Faith Johnson announced Monday afternoon that after a "thorough investigation," she had terminated the employment of Warner, 32.

Warner had worked in the office for six years and was a prosecutor in the crimes against children unit, Dallas News reports.

"Although criminal charges have not been filed, her behaviour is contrary to this office's core principle of integrity, and it will not be tolerated," Johnson said in a written statement.

Ms Warner was fired.
Ms Warner was fired.

"As public servants, we represent the people of Dallas County and are examples of justice, professionalism, and ethical behavior both inside and outside of the courtroom."

Uber is also looking into the incident.

A former Dallas County prosecutor came to Ms Warner's defence on Twitter, urging the public not to rush to judgment.

In Mr Platt's recording, a woman can be heard calling him names, including "an idiot," "a legitimate retard" and "stupid."

He said he picked up Warner at Capitol Pub in Old East Dallas and she appeared intoxicated, yelling at friends through the window after getting into the car.

According to Mr Platt, Ms Warner continued name-calling and berating him.

She also slapped him on the shoulder, which prompted the driver to pull over on the side of the road and ask the passenger to exit the vehicle.

He says Ms Warner threatened that he was "never going to work again" and told him she "knows people."

After alleged continued name-calling and yelling by Ms Warner, the situation took an unexpected turn when she accused him of kidnapping her by refusing to take her home.

Mr Platt however, pointed out that she was free to leave.

"Under the law, it’s recklessly keeping me from where I was going, and you have done that, " she tells him.

"You're kidnapping me. You're committing a third-to-first-degree felony."

Mr Platt recorded the pair's conversation.
Mr Platt recorded the pair's conversation.

Mr Platt again asked the woman to get out, but she remained inside his vehicle until police arrived.

The Uber driver took two more passengers home, but ended his shift early because of the "negative vibes," he said in a Facebook post.

"I didn’t post this maliciously. I mean no harm to her," Mr Platt said.

"I just want an apology. I was just telling Facebook friends and when I get home I have thousands of views. It was crazy."