Uber Driver Assaulted in Seekonk; Passenger Charged
Seekonk — May 4, 2024 —
In Seekonk, Massachusetts, an Uber driver was the victim of a brutal assault early Saturday morning, culminating in the arrest of a passenger on severe charges. The incident unfolded when the driver,picking up a passenger in north Seekonk,was directed to a secondary location where the assault occurred. Authorities responded to the scene after the driver managed to escape and alert a resident, leading to the suspect’s apprehension and a wave of fresh safety concerns. For more details, read on.
Uber Driver Assaulted in Seekonk; Passenger Charged with Kidnapping, Intent to Rape
Seekonk, Massachusetts – An Uber driver was allegedly assaulted by a passenger early Saturday morning, leading to the arrest of a suspect now facing multiple charges, including kidnapping and intent to rape.
The Incident Unfolds
Seekonk police responded to a report of a motor vehicle crash near County Street and Arrowhead Road around 1:35 a.m.Saturday. Upon arrival, officers discovered a vehicle on the lawn of a residential property.
The female driver, identified as an Uber driver, reported being assaulted by a male passenger who subsequently fled the scene. According to the driver, she picked up the passenger in north Seekonk with a destination set for South Seekonk. However, upon reaching the initial destination, the man allegedly provided a different address.
A Change of Destination, A Turn for the Worse
Upon arriving at the second location, the driver told police that the man demanded she back down a long, unlit driveway. Initially hesitant,the driver eventually complied.
Did You Know?
UberS safety report for 2019-2020 revealed thousands of reported sexual assaults related to rides. [[1]]
While backing down the driveway, the situation escalated. The driver reported that the man began to assault her.
Despite the ongoing assault, she managed to put the vehicle in drive and accelerate down the road. the vehicle eventually came to a stop on a front lawn.
The driver further stated that the man then stole her cell phone and fled on foot. She then began honking the car horn, alerting a resident who contacted the police.
Arrest and Charges
Following an investigation, Seekonk police issued an arrest warrant on Sunday for 25-year-old James D. Oakes, a resident of Seekonk. He was taken into custody without incident that same day.
Oakes faces a slew of serious charges:
- Strangulation or suffocation
- Kidnapping
- Assault with intent to rape
- Assault and battery
- Unarmed robbery
- Intimidation of a witness
- Interfering with a ride share driver
Details regarding bail and arraignment have not yet been released by the police.
Uber’s Response to Safety Concerns
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about passenger and driver safety in the rideshare industry. Uber’s own safety reports have revealed thousands of reported incidents of sexual assault [[1]]. While Uber has implemented safety measures, incidents like this underscore the need for continued vigilance and improvement.
Pro Tip:
Rideshare users can utilize in-app safety features such as sharing trip details with trusted contacts and using the emergency assistance button to alert authorities.
Frequently Asked questions
- What charges does the suspect face?
- James D. Oakes is charged with strangulation or suffocation, kidnapping, assault with intent to rape, assault and battery, unarmed robbery, intimidation of a witness, and interfering with a ride share driver.
- Were did the incident occur?
- The incident began in North Seekonk, Massachusetts, and culminated near county Street and Arrowhead Road, where the vehicle crashed on a residential lawn.
- When did the police respond to the incident?
- Seekonk police responded to the report of a motor vehicle crash around 1:35 a.m. Saturday.
A Broader Look at Uber Safety
The assault in Seekonk is part of a larger narrative surrounding safety within the rideshare industry. Uber has faced numerous lawsuits and public scrutiny regarding passenger safety, particularly concerning sexual assault. [[2]]. The company’s safety reports indicate a significant number of reported incidents,although recent data suggests a potential decline in such cases [[3]].
In its latest safety report, Uber reported more than 2,700 cases of sexual assault between 2021 and 2022. This is a decline from the previous year, wich saw nearly 4,000 cases, and from 2017 to 2018, when there were almost 6,000 cases [[3]].
Legal Battles and Industry Reforms
Uber has faced significant legal challenges related to sexual assault allegations. In one instance, over 1,600 sexual assault cases against Uber were merged into one lawsuit [[3]]. These legal battles underscore the importance of safety measures and accountability within the rideshare industry.
Moving Forward
the incident in Seekonk serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by rideshare drivers. As the case progresses, it is crucial to monitor developments and consider the broader implications for safety and security in the rideshare industry.
