COLUMBUS – Police have several words of warning for users of ride-sharing services – especially women – after an assault near the OSU campus over the weekend by a man who claimed to be driving for one of the services.
A female Ohio State students reported that she got into a vehicle she though had been sent by a ride-sharing service at approximately 1:30 a.m. Saturday near the intersection of W. Lane Avenue and N. High Street and was attacked by the driver, said Commander Ales Behnen of the Special Victims Bureau’s Sexual Assault Unit.
The woman, whose name and age were not released, was able to escape and flag down a Columbus police cruiser, Behnen said.
Police are looking for a white 4-door sedan which appears to be missing the driver’s side rear hubcap and has a small spare tire mounted on the car, said Behnen.
The suspect is described as an Asian man in his 20’s, about 6 feet tall with a thin build and black hair with a spiked crew cut.
Sexual Assault Unit tips for using ride-share services:
-Don’t ride up front
-Wait inside until the driver arrives
-Don’t ride alone if you’re heavily intoxicated
-Confirm the driver is who they are supposed to be
-Always use the dispatch or tech-based service; never accept drivers’ cell numbers
-Do not share personal information with the driver
-If something doesn’t feel right, seek help
-Do not give your cell phone to the driver
Anyone with any information about the car or the driver is asked to email Det. Earl Westfall at SAU@columbuspolice.org