Newark Police Investigate Rideshare Sexual Assaults

On October 30, 2022, at about 0009 hours, a female victim, 21, reported that she was waiting near her residence for a rideshare vehicle.  The vehicle had been ordered for her by a friend, and the victim did not know the description of the vehicle she was waiting for.  The victim observed a vehicle near her residence and thought it was the rideshare vehicle.  She contacted that driver and entered the front seat of the vehicle thinking it was the correct vehicle.

As they began to drive towards the destination, the suspect had sexual contact with the victim.  After a short time, the driver dropped the victim off at the destination.

Newark Police have identified the driver and the case is under investigation by Newark Police Detectives.

On October 31, 2022, at about 1800 hours, a sexual assault was reported to Newark Police.  The assault occurred in the early morning hours of October 31, 2022.  The female victim, 21, reported that she ordered a ride through a rideshare app.  When the vehicle arrived, she entered the vehicle and they drove towards her destination.  During the ride, the driver stopped the vehicle and began to sexually assault the victim.  The victim was dropped off by the driver and later contacted police.  The case is being investigated by Newark Police Detectives.

Both victims were examined at an area hospital, but were not injured.  No known weapons were involved.

The suspects in the two incidents are different people.

The public is reminded to be vigilant and attentive when using a rideshare service.  Rideshare users should follow some of these tips, which can also be found here:

• Remain indoors until the vehicle arrives. Track the location of the vehicle on the app.
• Confirm the correct vehicle is there to pick you up by asking the driver for the first name of the person that requested the ride.
• Confirm the vehicle that arrived is the same one as listed in the app. Match the license plate and vehicle description.
• Always wear your seatbelt.
• Ride in the back seat, especially when riding alone.
• Use the app’s sharing feature to share your ride and location with a friend.
• If you feel uneasy about entering the vehicle, do not enter the vehicle.
• Do not pay cash. Pay for the ride only using the app.

Victims of crime in Newark may contact our Victim Services Coordinator, Ms. Melissa Pennachi, at (302) 366-7100 x. 3137 or mpennachi@newark.de.us.  Our Victim Services Coordinator is available to provide resources to victims of crime and assist them through the investigation and prosecution process.

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact Sgt. J. Skinner at (302) 366-7100 x. 3135 or jskinner@newark.de.us.  Additional methods for providing information to Newark Police can be found on our tips page, where reward information may also be available.