Lyft Driver Faces Aggravated Assault Charges in Delayed Trial

BAY COUNTY, FL - On May 23, 2025, at a scheduled Trial Management hearing, George Cotton’s trial for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon was rescheduled from June 2, 2025, to October 5, 2025. Cotton, a Lyft driver, faces charges stemming from an incident on December 10, 2023, in Panama City Beach, FL, involving passenger Marlon Gutierrez Alvarez. The charge of aggravated assault carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison. According to Cotton’s attorney, Albert Sauline, the prosecution offered a plea deal of 10 years.

The arrest report details “On this date the victim called for a ride through Lyft from Neon. The victim was picked up by the defendant and while in transit, the victim asked the defendant to stop so he can get food.  The defendant allegedly got annoyed and told him he can’t. The victim offered to compensate him for the extra driving. The defendant then began to yell and argue with the victim refusing.  After a short amount of arguing, the defendant went into a bag in his passenger seat and brandished a pistol.  The defendant then proceeded to strike the victim with the firearm.  The defendant struck the victim about the left eye and the side of his head.  Both strikes caused lacerations to the victim. The defendant then pulled the vehicle over in a parking lot and exited the vehicle.  He opened the victim’s door and pointed the firearm at him telling him to exit his vehicle.  The victim obliged and the defendant left the scene.”

The arresting officer D. Sherman, who located Cotton and his vehicle later that day, found a black handgun in a backpack on the passenger seat and noted blood spots on the back passenger door frame. No physical evidence was collected, no witnesses were interviewed, and the handgun was not seized, at the time of the arrest, according to the arrest report on file.

Cotton’s father, George Cotton Sr., stated in an email to Bay County Coastal, “My son, George Cotton, Jr. is facing possible imprisonment of up to 10 years in Florida for defending himself...” He posted his statement on Facebook. Cotton’s attorney noted that Cotton contacted his employer post-incident and resumed work.  

The outcome of this trial has the potential to impact rideshare driving policies in the future for companies like Lyft and Uber.