Lawrence Uber Driver Charged with Sexual Assault: What Happened During the 2023 Ride?

How Did a Massachusetts Uber Ride Lead to Criminal Charges?

A 24-year-old Lawrence man has been charged with sexually assaulting a female passenger during an Uber ride in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, in October 2023. Armando Rosario Santos was arraigned Thursday in Lowell District Court on charges of indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or over and distribution of obscene material. According to Chelmsford Police, the victim reported that Santos repeatedly propositioned her for sex, showed her pornography, and grabbed at her during the ride. He has been released on his own recognizance with orders to stay away from the victim.

5 Key Points

• Santos allegedly assaulted the passenger after dropping off her two friends during a ride that originated in Nashua, New Hampshire.
• The victim reported feeling carsick and moved to the front seat before the alleged assault began.
• According to police reports, Santos drove to a Chelmsford parking lot, where he attempted to grab the victim.
• The victim told police Santos drove past her home despite her requests to be taken there.
• Uber has permanently banned Santos from their platform following the allegations.

How Did the Alleged Sexual Assault Occur?

The incident took place on October 20, 2023, when Santos picked up the victim and two of her friends in Nashua, New Hampshire, according to Chelmsford Police. After dropping off the victim’s two friends, the victim moved to the front passenger seat because she felt car-sick. While sitting in the front seat, the victim told police she began looking for music on Santos’ phone. According to the police report, Santos then allegedly repeatedly asked if she wanted to have sex with him and proceeded to show her pornography on his phone.

Where Did the Driver Take the Passenger?

The victim reported that Santos pulled into a Chelmsford parking lot, where he attempted to grab her, according to police. Investigators said the woman pushed him away and demanded to be taken home. Out of fear, the victim told officers she promised Santos she would “allow him to feel her breasts” if he took her home. Despite this, when they approached her residence, Santos allegedly drove past her home and only turned around when the victim yelled at him, according to the police report.

What Happened When They Reached the Victim’s Home?

According to police, when they finally reached her home, the victim threw money at Santos and attempted to exit the vehicle while he allegedly continued grabbing at her. The woman was eventually able to escape the vehicle, at which point Santos sped away from the scene, investigators said. The victim contacted Chelmsford Police the very next day to report the alleged assault. Police noted that while the victim admitted she was intoxicated during the incident, she maintained that she remembered everything that happened, and her account remained consistent throughout multiple interviews.

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How Has Uber Responded to the Allegations?

“Sexual assault is a heinous crime, and the behavior detailed is appalling. We take these reports very seriously, and the driver was banned from the Uber platform,” an Uber spokesperson told NewsCenter 5 when asked for comment. Following the allegations, the rideshare company has permanently removed Santos from their platform. Santos reportedly declined to make any statement when asked for a comment about the charges.

What Legal Consequences Does the Driver Face?

Following a police investigation, Santos was charged with indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or over and distribution of obscene material. He was arraigned at Lowell District Court. The court released Santos on his own recognizance but ordered him to stay away from the victim. The case highlights ongoing concerns about passenger safety in rideshare services, particularly for women traveling alone.

What Should You Do If You’re Assaulted During an Uber Ride?

If you are assaulted in an Uber, immediately prioritize your safety by exiting the vehicle and getting to a safe location, then call 911 to report the assault to the police. The victim, in this case, contacted Chelmsford Police the day after the incident, which allowed them to begin their investigation promptly. Here are the key steps to take:

• Call 911: This is the most crucial step – report the assault to the police as soon as you are in a safe place.
• Exit the Uber: If possible, exit the vehicle and move to a safe location.
• Report to Uber: Use the Uber app to report the assault to the company, providing details of the incident and the driver.
• Seek medical attention: Go to a hospital or clinic to get checked for injuries and document any evidence of assault.
• Preserve evidence: If possible, keep any clothing or other items related to the assault that could be used as evidence.
• Contact a lawyer: You don’t have to face this difficult situation alone. Lawsuits.org can connect you with compassionate attorneys who understand the trauma you’ve experienced and will support you through every step of the legal process while fighting for the justice you deserve.

In the Chelmsford case, the victim’s prompt reporting and consistent account across multiple interviews strengthened the investigation, according to police, ultimately leading to Santos being charged and Uber permanently banning him from their platform.