Taxi Driver In Delaware Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Sleeping Female Passenger
By Steve Beck
DEWEY BEACH, Del. (CBS) -- A taxi cab driver in Delaware sexually assaulted a female passenger who had fallen asleep in his vehicle, investigators say.
Delaware State Police say 30-year-old Khalid Chablaoui is facing charges for his alleged role in the incident that reportedly occurred on August 15th.
According to investigators, Chablaoui, the owner/operator of the I-Taxi cab service, picked up a 22-year-old female as a cab fare.
The female was leaving the Lighthouse Bar and Restaurant in Dewey Beach at about 9 p.m. and entered the front passenger seat of the taxi.
During the ride home, the victim told police she fell asleep and awoke to Chablaoui sexually assaulting her.
The victim said she forced him away and demanded that he stop and take her home. Chablaoui dropped the female off at her home at about 10:15 p.m.
After an investigation, Delaware State Police Troopers said they were able to identify and connect Chablaoui to the incident.
Chablaoui turned himself into police on Thursday. He has been charged with Rape 4th Degree and is being held at the Sussex Correctional Institution on $20,000 Secured Bond.
The charges were later dropped due to insufficient evidence.