That’s when Uber for Teens really works. Two college students who are studying in the United States had a physical fight with their Uber driver while on their spring break in Denmark. The authorities never sided with them, so they were detained at Copenhagen Airport. Ridesharing Forum has more.
Detained following a physical fight with an Uber driver
Two college students in America – 19-year-old Owen Ray who is studying at the University of Miami in Ohio, and his unnamed friend – were detained on April Fools’ Day at Copenhagen Airport after their alleged physical dispute with an Uber driver on March 31st.
Their story has already reached national media, particularly ABC News. And when the media say it, they really mean it.
The incident
In the account relayed to Jordan Finfer, a United States-based attorney working for Ray’s family, it was stated that the two were aboard an Uber the night before the detaining when they realized they were headed to the wrong address or destination. They brought it up to the driver, but the driver refused to take a detour.
The three – the two friends and the driver – went out of the car, and that was when the altercation erupted.
The lawyer claimed that the driver kicked his client in the groin. In response, the student pushed the driver away, causing the latter to fall, before the two friends ran away.
Who’s in the wrong? Well, apparently, the students were detained at Copenhagen Airport the following day, April 1st, mainly because they tried to run from the incident.
No comment from authorities
As of press time, roughly two weeks after the incident, the media confirmed that they are still detained, though neither of the two were charged for the crime.
The United States State Department has already intervened, saying they are aware of the media reports. They said staff at their embassy in Copenhagen are already providing consular assistance.
“The Department has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens abroad,” it continued.
However, “due to privacy considerations,” they refused to comment further.
Uber has released their official statement regarding this news: "The safety of everyone who uses the Uber app is a top priority, and we take reports of violence very seriously. Any additional questions about the investigation should be directed to the Danish police.”
Danish officials have yet to comment on this incident. Share your thoughts by creating an account on the Ridesharing Forum website.