In Dallas, an Uber driver is off the job after he was accused of sexually assaulting a student at SMU.
The assault happened while on campus, and shortly afterwards, the driver had been arrested.
Kristin Dillard, a student at SMU who was left feeling shocked after the sexual assault allegations were made public, stating, “This is a reminder to be extra cautious, I don’t ever travel alone in Ubers, if I do, it’s during the day.”
The campus had sent out an email notifying students that around 2:30 last Friday there had been a sexual assault that happened on the 3100 block of Daniel Avenue, also known as “soroity row.”
Dillard went on to say, “Just kind of makes me feel unsafe, because I’m right here on the same street as it happened.”
According to the arrest affidavit that was obtained, the victim had told police her Uber driver had sexually assaulted her when she fell asleep while in his car on the way back home.
The Court documents said that she suddenly woke up after she felt the suspect’s hands in between her legs.
Authorities said the 50-year-old Uber driver had dropped her off at the sorority house, walked her to the front door, and then he left the area.
Documents show that the victim called her brother, who had ordered the Uber.
The brother was then able to track the driver down, Alejandro Contreras, and he was arrested by the police at SMU.
An SMU spokesperson said that there is still an active investigation and there is no threat to the community. They’re asking all students to remain vigilant during this time and to be aware of their surroundings, as well as to try carpooling whenever possible.
Dillard said that Uber is the main source for rides around campus, especially on weekends.
Amy Jones, the CEO of the Dallas Rape Crisis Center stated, “You’re not alone. There are people here to help you, there are people here to believe you. We will walk with you through this process.”
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