Dallas convicted felon sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after armed robbery attempt targeting Lyft driver
Dallas, Texas – A Dallas man with a prior felony conviction has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after admitting to illegally possessing a firearm during an armed robbery involving a Lyft driver.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs, who said Antonio Detravion Woodard Jr., 24, received a sentence of 180 months in federal prison. Woodard had previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Richard Schell imposed the sentence on July 13, 2026, in the Eastern District of Texas.
Armed robbery led to federal firearms charge
According to information presented in court, the incident happened on January 10, 2025, after Woodard requested a ride through the Lyft app.
When the driver arrived to pick him up, prosecutors said Woodard pulled out a firearm and announced, “This is a robbery.”
Authorities said Woodard demanded access to the driver’s Cash App account and wallet in an effort to steal money. After checking the driver’s belongings, he discovered there was no cash available.
Court records showed Woodard became frustrated and then warned the driver, demanding that he “Not tell the police what happened.”
Despite the threat, the Lyft driver was able to discreetly activate the emergency safety feature within the Lyft application. The alert brought local law enforcement officers to the scene, allowing authorities to quickly begin investigating the incident.
During that investigation, officers determined Woodard had already been convicted of a felony. Because of that conviction, federal law prohibited him from possessing or owning a firearm.
Woodard ultimately pleaded guilty to the federal firearms charge, leading to this week’s sentencing.
Federal officials said the prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative focused on combating illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protecting communities from violent crime.
The investigation was conducted by the Plano Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin Jr.
With the sentence now imposed, Woodard will serve 15 years in federal prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon in connection with the armed robbery involving the rideshare driver.
