Share and Follow
In a disturbing incident earlier this month, Kentucky authorities have taken a Lyft driver into custody following allegations of sexual assault against a passenger in Louisville.
On February 4, 34-year-old Yordan Diaz Vera reportedly picked up a female passenger from her home. According to WLKY, rather than transporting her to her intended destination, Diaz Vera brandished a weapon, locked the vehicle doors, and proceeded to sexually assault her in the backseat.
Following the assault, Diaz Vera drove the victim to her scheduled appointment, which was at a doctor’s office. It was there that the woman managed to contact the police, providing them with enough details to facilitate Diaz Vera’s arrest the very next day.
The victim’s lawyer, Susan Collins, revealed to WDRB that the attack took place in the middle of the day and lasted several minutes. Collins further asserted that Diaz Vera coerced the victim into a sexual act at gunpoint. “She ran out of the car and into the office screaming for help,” Collins recounted.
This alarming incident underscores the importance of safety measures for passengers relying on rideshare services, as well as the necessity for stringent background checks on drivers.
Diaz Vera, who was apprehended in a Kroger’s parking lot, was charged with first-degree sodomy, menacing, and kidnapping. Collins said he is in the country on the work visa, which explains why he is being held on a federal immigrations detainer, or an immigration hold request, according to WLKY.
Lyft said in a statement that they removed Diaz Vera as a driver and are cooperating with the ongoing criminal investigation.