OLMOS PARK, Texas - An Uber driver was assaulted and fondled by a customer during a ride, according to Olmos Park police.
The incident happened around 2:15 a.m. on April 28 when police say the 24-year-old Uber driver picked up 40-year-old Scott Anthony Ryan for a ride in Alamo Heights. According to an arrest affidavit, Ryan requested to be dropped off in Olmos Park through the popular rideshare app.
The driver said Ryan got into his car and sat directly behind the driver’s seat. He said it was odd since most passengers sit on the other side to make conversation and have eye contact with the driver.
According to the affidavit, the driver smelled alcohol on Ryan’s breath as he spoke.
The Uber driver involved spoke with KENS 5 anonymously and shared every detail of what he claims happened to him Friday morning.
Out of nowhere, Ryan grabbed the victim’s neck and put what the driver described as a metallic object against it. The driver told police he was scared since he was unaware what Ryan had pressed against his neck.
"The first thing that ran through my mind was, 'This is where I'm going to die. This is the location my family is going to find my body, in the side of a ditch'," he said.
He said he was unable to move since Ryan was restricting him. Ryan then proceeded to reach into the driver’s pants and began fondling him, the affidavit stated.
"I was just focusing on getting him where he needed to go and my goal was to get him out of my car," he said.
The victim felt that Ryan would hurt or even kill him at any moment. The affidavit stated Ryan told the victim in a “chilling voice” that “Everything is okay, just keep driving.”
Once the ride ended and Ryan left the car, the victim reported the incident to the Olmos Park police.
"The moment the light came on from the top [in the car], I turned around so I could look at his face and he kind of just looks at me and keeps walking out into his house," said the driver.
Police were able to obtain Ryan’s identity through information on the Uber app when he booked the ride.
Uber spokesperson released the following statement:
"The situation described here is not tolerated on the Uber app. We're thankful the driver is okay and appreciate the quick response of the Olmos Park Police Department who were able to make an arrest in this case."
The Uber driver said family members helped him cope with the incident. To prevent incidents like this in the future, the driver suggested adding additional background check requirements for the passengers, as well as drivers, in rideshare apps.
"I do ask that these Uber and any other rideshare corporation looks into that because the safety of the driver is as important as the safety of the customer," he said.