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FDLE agents explain how suspect wound up in Lyft driver's car

Flores' acquaintance scheduled the ride
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BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. — Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents walked through just how murder suspect Matthew Flores ended up in beloved driver Gary Levin's car during a news conference Wednesday.

Agents said Flores' acquaintance scheduled the ride that would leave Levin dead, all in an attempt for an accused murderer to get to North Carolina.

Gary Levin with car

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Wrong place, wrong time: FDLE details tragic timeline in murder of Lyft driver

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"Investigating that disappearance detectives with the (Palm Beach Gardens) Police Department were able to place Flores as the last Lyft passenger with Mr Levin," FDLE Special Agent Eli Lawson said.

Levin was later found dead in Okeechobee County.

WATCH: FDLE holds news conference on Gary Levin murder

FDLE provides update in Gary Levin murder investigation

It's not known exactly what happened inside Levin's car.

This case has brought to light ride-share safety concerns.

Levin was driving for Lyft.

Lyft reported there were 10 fatal physical assaults connected to rides between 2017 and 2019, according to a 2021 company community safety report,

That is roughly one in 175 million trips.

WPTV contacted Lyft for any updates to driver safety protocols and hasn't heard back.

In the 2021 safety report, Lyft states the service does offer safety options for the driver, including location and ETA shared with family and friends, and emergency help through security company ADT.

Drivers have the option to contact a security professional silently or by voice.

If you have any information regarding the 2007 crimes with ties to the Town Center at Boca Raton, call Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County at 800-458-TIPS. Tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. You can remain anonymous.

You can also contact the detectives assigned to these cold cases using the information below:

Detective Scott Hanley
Boca Raton Police Department
shanley@myboca.us
561-338-1344

Detective William Springer
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office
springerw@pbso.org
561-688-4013