WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2026 BOISE, IDAHO
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Public Safety

Boise Lyft Driver Convicted of Kidnapping and Rape After Assaulting Female Passenger

A Boise rideshare driver faces decades in prison after an Ada County jury found him guilty on multiple serious felony counts stemming from a 2024 attack on a female passenger. Zkaria Mahmmd Al Majzoub, 44, was convicted of first-degree kidnapping, rape, and forcible penetration following a case prosecuted by the Ada County Prosecutor’s Office.

What Happened on August 6, 2024

The assault took place after the victim requested a Lyft ride on the evening of August 6, 2024. Al Majzoub picked her up as her designated driver but did not take her to her intended destination. Instead, he drove her to a remote location, where he sexually assaulted her.

The victim’s friend played a critical role in bringing the crime to an end. Monitoring the victim’s location through a shared tracking app, the friend noticed the route was taking far longer than expected and that something appeared wrong. The friend contacted law enforcement, and officers responded and located the victim.

The quick actions of both the victim’s friend and responding officers were central to the case. Without the alert from the friend and the rapid police response, the outcome could have been far worse.

Jury Verdict and Charges

Following the trial, the jury returned guilty verdicts on all three counts: first-degree kidnapping, rape, and forcible penetration. The charges reflect the severity of the attack — first-degree kidnapping in Idaho carries among the harshest penalties in state law, particularly when combined with a sexual assault conviction.

The Ada County Prosecutor’s Office handled the case from investigation through trial. Ada County prosecutors did not release public statements that were available for this report, but the three-count conviction represents a significant outcome for the office and for the victim.

Rideshare Safety and Public Concern

The case raises broader concerns about passenger safety in rideshare vehicles. Lyft and other rideshare platforms have faced scrutiny nationally over incidents involving drivers who exploit the trust placed in them by passengers — particularly women traveling alone. This case demonstrates how quickly a routine ride can turn dangerous and underscores the value of shared location features on smartphones as a practical safety tool.

Rideshare companies conduct background checks on drivers, but those checks have limitations and do not eliminate risk entirely. Law enforcement officials across Idaho and the broader Treasure Valley have encouraged passengers — especially those traveling alone at night — to share their live location with a trusted contact and to verify driver and vehicle information before entering any rideshare vehicle.

Impact on Ada County Residents

For residents of Boise and across Ada County who rely on rideshare services, the conviction serves as both a cautionary reminder and a measure of justice. The Treasure Valley’s rapid population growth has expanded the use of rideshare platforms in Boise, Meridian, Eagle, and surrounding communities. Most drivers operate safely and professionally, but incidents like this one illustrate the importance of personal safety precautions and attentive law enforcement.

Victims’ advocates have long emphasized that sexual assault cases involving strangers in positions of perceived authority — including rideshare drivers — are among the most traumatic. The guilty verdict closes a chapter for the victim while sending a clear message that Ada County courts will hold offenders accountable.

What Comes Next

Al Majzoub is scheduled to be sentenced on September 9, 2026, in Ada County. A conviction on first-degree kidnapping alone can carry a sentence of up to life imprisonment under Idaho law, and the additional rape and forcible penetration convictions are expected to weigh heavily in sentencing considerations.

Residents interested in following the case can monitor Ada County court proceedings through the Idaho court system’s public records portal. Those with concerns about rideshare safety or who wish to report suspicious driver behavior are encouraged to contact the Boise Police Department directly.

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