WASHINGTON — An Uber driver in Prince George’s County has been arrested, after police said he kidnapped and assaulted a female passenger.
Prince George’s County police said Westagne Pierre, 29, of Greenbelt, was on-duty as an Uber driver in Washington D.C. on Oct. 18. when he picked up a female customer in D.C. who ordered a ride to her home in Virginia.
“Instead of dropping her off, he took her to a hotel in College Park,” said Officer Tyler Hunter with Prince George’s County police.
Hunter said the woman was left at the hotel.
Police claim Pierre used the woman’s credit card near the hotel a short time later.
Uber spokesman Brooke Anderson said the woman contacted the ride sharing app the next day to report the incident. Anderson said that Uber has been working closely with police to support their investigation.
“This is deeply upsetting,” Anderson said. “The driver has been banned from the app, and we are working closely with police to support their investigation.”
Anderson said Pierre registered to drive with Uber in April.
Pierre is charged with kidnapping and assault; police said there may be additional charges in the case, as the investigation into the case continues.
Hunter said whether a person is taking a ride share trip or in a taxi, one should always remain aware of one’s surroundings.
“If something doesn’t feel right, if something doesn’t look right, there is no issue with going another route, getting another driver,” Hunter said.
If you find yourself inside and you become worried about your safety, you are encouraged to call or text 911.
“Place the phone on your lap, on a speaker, or something of that nature, and then that way you don’t directly have to be on the phone, but we can certainly get information from you that way and get you help in a timely manner,” Hunter said.
In this case, Hunter said the department is asking anyone with information to call 301-772-4908.
