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A Mississauga man driving an Uber private car has been accused of sexually assaulting a female passenger over the weekend.
According to police, the female victim and two friends ordered an Uber car for a shared ride home from a Toronto nightclub. The accused picked up the three females and dropped two of the passengers at residences in the York Region.
Police reports said that as the driver approached the final drop-off destination he informed the victim that she needed to pay in cash or by other means. The victim allegedly felt immediately uncomfortable and asked the driver to let her out. According to police the driver stopped the car shortly thereafter, exited the vehicle with the passenger and sexually assaulted her.
On Monday, May 18, 2015, Osamah al-Mandalawi, 25, of Toronto was arrested at his residence and charged with sexual assault.
The investigation has emerged amongst ongoing dispute regarding the presence of Uber drivers in Toronto. Toronto taxi drivers have largely united in the fight against Uber, saying that it contributes to an unfair, two-tiered system.
The city is currently engaged with a legal battle against Uber, arguing that it is unlicensed and dangerous. The court hearing regarding the city’s injunction application to block all Uber operations in Toronto will begin June 1.
However, Uber can count Mayor John Tory as one of its supporters, saying that the city needs to adapt to the company’s presence in Toronto.
Agencies/Canadajournal
