Recent Rideshare-Related Sexual Assaults and Fake-Driver Attacks – What You Need to Know
Over the past year there have been cases involving sexual assault, rape, kidnapping, and other horrific crimes by Uber drivers, Lyft drivers, or people posing as Uber/Lyft drivers. While there are thousands and thousands of cases that are never reported on, here are some that were in the news:
Salt Lake City , Utah: University of Utah student alleges rape during Uber ride (reported Nov. 2025)
Driver: Julio Arroyo Mendoza
A 22-year-old University of Utah student reported that a male rideshare driver stopped the car near Research Park on the south end of campus, entered the back seat, and sexually assaulted her after she had arranged a trip through the Uber app. The woman was on her way to a mental-health institute, so the driver may have seen her as an easy target. University police arrested a 39-year-old man early the following day; court documents say the man told officers he was born in Peru. Police impounded the car and removed the driver’s access to the Uber platform pending investigation. The student has been offered campus victim‑survivor advocacy services; police said they plan additional interviews after best‑practice waiting periods. Uber called the allegations “deeply disturbing” and said it removed the driver’s access and is assisting investigators. Some local outlets identified the driver as Julio Arroyo Mendoza; reporting emphasized the allegations are under investigation.
Vaughan, Ontario, Canada: Man accused of posing as rideshare driver, kidnapping and sexual assault (reported Sept. 2025)
Driver: Mohammad Shaqueel Zolmay
York Regional Police say a woman waiting for a ride was approached by a man who said he was a rideshare driver and offered a lift. After the victim entered his vehicle, investigators allege the man drove to a parking lot where he sexually assaulted her and then threatened her before forcing her from the car and fleeing. Officers later located and arrested the suspect and charged him with kidnapping, sexual assault and uttering threats. Police released the suspect’s photograph and have asked for other potential victims to come forward; reports identify the accused as Mohammad Shaqueel Zolmay.
Brighton and Hove, U.K.: Predator posing as Uber driver jailed (reported Aug. 2025)
Driver: Graham Head
A man who represented himself as an Uber driver was convicted following attacks on multiple young women, one who was 19 years old. Prosecutors said the defendant carried items described as a “rape kit” (including gloves, condoms and a balaclava), used false driver cards and took steps to avoid detection. He was convicted of kidnap, attempted rape and assault by penetration and sentenced to a lengthy prison term. One victim who helped secure an earlier conviction later died; prosecutors and judges noted the severe trauma victims suffered and commended their cooperation with police.
Toronto / Brampton, Ontario: Rideshare driver charged with sexual assault (reported Aug. 2025)
Driver: Arshdeep Singh
Toronto police charged 28‑year‑old Brampton man Arshdeep Singh, from India, after he sexually assaulted a woman during a ride arranged through a rideshare platform. Police say the victim and a friend ordered a ride after midnight; after dropping the friend off the driver offered the passenger a free ride home and is accused of assaulting her during that trip. Authorities have expressed concern there may be additional victims and asked anyone with information to contact investigators.
Sandy, Utah: Lyft driver charged with aggravated kidnapping and object rape (reported Sept. 2025)
Driver: Alejandro Rendon Segovia
*no picture found*
In a case reported by local media, 26‑year‑old Lyft driver Alejandro Rendon Segovia was arrested and charged with aggravated kidnapping and object rape after a 19‑year‑old passenger did not arrive at her destination and later reported being assaulted. Investigators say the passenger was intoxicated when picked up and was allegedly assaulted during multiple stops; she was later found and treated for injuries. He kept her in his car for over 3 hours and her body had bruises consistent with sexual assaults. Segivua refused to provide a DNA sample. Court documents allege the driver used his position as a rideshare driver to prey on a vulnerable passenger. Prosecutors said they are seeking other potential victims.
Trends and patterns identified in recent reporting
- Drivers are often immigrants: Most sexual assaults and rapes in rideshares are committed by immigrants who are not vetted by the rideshare companies before being hired.
- Assailants posing as legitimate drivers: Several cases involved attackers who explicitly posed as rideshare or taxi drivers (fake business cards, driver‑style language, advertising). That tactic can lower a rider’s guard.
- Late‑night and vulnerable passengers: Many alleged assaults occurred late at night, after a night out, or when passengers were alone and/or intoxicated — circumstances that increase vulnerability.
- Use of platform access and spoofing: Reported tactics include accepting a ride via the app and then taking victims to isolated locations, ending rides on the app without dropping passengers at the agreed point, or using phone settings/flight mode to limit traceability.
- Evidence and identification often come from multiple sources: Passenger memory (vehicle details or partial plates), app metadata (phone numbers, trip logs), CCTV, and physical evidence in vehicles (gloves, condoms, other items) have been key to investigations.
- Public and political scrutiny: High‑profile incidents have led to public outcry, legislative proposals aimed at detention and immigration status in criminal cases, and renewed attention on platform safety practices and background checks.
- Cross‑platform problem: Reports include drivers working for different services (Uber, Lyft) and cases of impostors unaffiliated with platforms; risks are not limited to a single company
Safety recommendations
- Trust your instincts & refuse unsolicited offers: Decline offers for “free” rides or offers to drive you that weren’t arranged through the app. If a driver deviates from the planned route or behaves oddly, ask the driver to stop in a well‑lit, populated area and exit if you feel unsafe.
- Verify before you enter: Check the app for the driver’s name, photo, vehicle make/model and license plate. Confirm these details match before getting in.
- Share your trip: Use the app’s “share trip” feature with a friend or family member so they can track your route in real time.
- Sit in the back seat: When possible, sit behind the driver (rear passenger seat) to maintain personal space and options for exiting.
- Record details immediately: If you experience or witness suspicious behavior, note the driver’s name, license plate, vehicle description, trip ID, and any conversation. If safe, take photos and preserve clothing or other potential evidence.
- Report promptly and seek help: If you are assaulted or threatened, call emergency services, go to a safe place, seek medical care, and report the incident to police and the rideshare platform. If you’re unsure, contact a local sexual‑assault support service for guidance.
- Be careful with personal information: Avoid sharing details about your residence or schedule with drivers beyond what’s necessary for the trip.
Rideshare services provide essential mobility for millions, but these recent cases underscore that the risks of late‑night and isolated travel remain real. Riders can take concrete steps to reduce personal risk; platforms and regulators likewise have levers to strengthen screening, detection and incident response. When assaults are alleged, timely reporting, preservation of evidence, and cooperation between victims, platforms and police are critical to investigation and prevention.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a rideshare assault, contact us immediately.
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