A Centreville man has been charged with assault after allegedly attacking a passenger in the rideshare vehicle he was driving.
According to the Fairfax County Police Department, detectives went to Prince William County on March 18 for a reported assault case.
“The victim reported that she was assaulted by a driver while inside a rideshare vehicle in Fairfax County,” the FCPD said in a press release on Friday (March 21).
The assault specifically occurred near Fair Lakes, police say.
The FCPD didn’t provide any details of its investigation but said detectives identified a 64-year-old man from Centreville as the suspect. He turned himself in at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center last Thursday (March 20).
The man has been charged with misdemeanor assault and battery, but he was released from custody on his own recognizance, per online court records. An adjudicatory hearing in Fairfax County General District Court is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on May 7.
This case appears to be separate from an alleged sexual assault of a rideshare passenger by a driver that occurred in the Fair Ridge neighborhood last August. In that case, a man was arrested on Nov. 15 and charged with object sexual penetration, a felony. A preliminary hearing began on March 4 and will continue on April 2.
The FCPD shared safety tips for rideshare users back in July 2023 after it received reports of three separate incidents.
Tips on Ride-Share Safety
- Verify the driver and car: Before getting into the vehicle, ensure that the driver’s name, photo, and license plate match the details provided on the app. Do not hesitate to cancel the ride if something seems off or unfamiliar.
- Share trip details: Let a friend or family member know when and where you are going, along with the driver’s details. Use the app’s share feature to send them a live trip update.
- Sit in the back: Always choose the back seat, as it provides a safer distance and allows you to exit the vehicle from either side in case of an emergency.
- Stay aware of the route: Follow the route on your phone’s GPS or familiarize yourself with the general direction to ensure the driver is taking you toward your destination.
- Check reviews: Before booking a ride, review the driver’s rating and read previous passengers’ reviews to get an idea of their reliability and professionalism.
- Trust your instincts: If at any point you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, trust your instincts and ask the driver to stop at a well-lit, populated area. You can also call emergency services if necessary.
- Avoid sharing personal information: While it’s essential to communicate with the driver about directions or any necessary information, avoid sharing unnecessary personal details to maintain your privacy and safety.
- Be cautious with alcohol consumption: If you’ve been drinking, it’s always better to avoid riding alone. Consider traveling with a trusted friend or using other reliable transportation methods.
- Report any issues: If you experience any safety concerns or inappropriate behavior, report it to Uber or Lyft immediately, providing them with all relevant details.
- Call the police: If for any reason you feel uncomfortable or think you might need immediate assistance, do not hesitate to call 911.
