Off-Duty Uber Driver Under Investigation For Alleged Sexual Assault
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — An off-duty driver for the Uber car service is under investigation for an alleged sexual assault, police said Monday.
The alleged incident occurred on Jan. 31 near the corner of Palms and Beethoven near Venice, according to LAPD Det. Kimberly Porter.
A female in her 20s called a friend to request a ride from Uber, an app-based transportation network, Porter said.
Shortly thereafter, a black Chrysler pulled and asked the female, "Are you waiting for Uber?" When the victim answered "Yes", the driver said, "I'm an Uber driver, but I'm not working now," and offered her a ride, according to Porter.
The victim accepted and got into the vehicle. She was then sexually assaulted, Porter said.
The unidentified driver was not in police custody as the matter is still under investigation, according to Porter.
Uber spokeswoman Eva Behrend confirmed the driver in question was not providing rides on the Uber platform the night of the alleged incident.
He has been suspended as police and company officials continue their investigation, Behrend said.