Uber driver in Chicago accused of sexual assault

CHICAGO -- Police are investigating an Uber driver after a passenger accused him of sexually assaulting her during a ride last month, reports CBS Chicago.

The alleged assault occurred on Nov. 16, according to Chicago police, who say they are in contact with the victim as well as Uber personnel, as the investigation proceeds.

No charges have been filed.

The driver was removed from the rideshare service after the incident was reported, according to Uber spokeswoman Jennifer Mullin.

"This is an appalling and unacceptable incident and, first and foremost, our thoughts are with the victim and her family," Mullin said.

"We immediately removed the driver from the Uber platform when we learned of the incident and are cooperating with the Chicago Police Department in the ongoing investigation," she said.

News of the investigation in Chicago comes as Uber faces a crisis thousands of miles away.

Accusations that a company driver in New Delhi, India raped a 26-year-old woman ignited fierce protests this week. New Delhi police have launched an investigation into the company's background-checking practices.

CBS News reported Tuesday that the company could face criminal charges in India if police find evidence the taxi-hailing app misrepresented the safety of its service.