Disgruntled passenger arrested for felony criminal mischief after damaging a ride-share vehicle

Press Release

On April 17, 2026, New York State Police assigned to SP Tarrytown arrested Dario Baruch Miranda Mata, 50, of White Plains for felony criminal mischief after he damaged the interior of a ride-share vehicle while traveling along the Thruway in Westchester County.

At approximately 9:31 p.m. on April 17, troopers responded to the New York State Thruway (I-287) near Exit 5 eastbound after receiving a report of a disturbance involving a rideshare. Upon arrival at the vehicle, a 2024 Hyundai Elantra, troopers interviewed the driver, who said his passenger became upset at the way he was driving and began yelling and being rude to him. The driver stopped to let the passenger out and discovered multiple cuts to the backseat and rear of the front passenger seat, which had not been there previously.

Troopers canvassed the area and located the passenger, identified as Miranda Mata, who stated he had just exited a ride-share vehicle. He said he became upset at the way the operator was driving and cut the seats with his knife. Miranda Mata had a folding knife in his possession that he admitted using to make the cuts.

Miranda Mata was taken into custody and transported to SP Tarrytown for processing, where he was charged with felony criminal mischief, 3rd degree for causing damage to another person’s property in an amount greater than $250.

Miranda Mata was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in Greenburgh Town Court on May 1, 2026.