Fake Rideshare Driver Sexually Assaults Woman In San Mateo: Cops

SAN MATEO, CA — San Mateo police are looking for a man who posed as a rideshare driver, picked up a woman and then drove her to a "secluded spot" where he sexually assaulted her, authorities said.

Police say they were called to the 1400 block of Fashion Island Boulevard around 7 p.m. Tuesday about the assault that had just occurred. It was there they found the victim who told them what had happened to her.

"Our preliminary investigation indicates the victim was in San Mateo around State Route 92 when she was picked up by a driver who presented himself as being associated with a ride-share company," police said in a news release. "The victim reported the suspect drove her to a secluded area and sexually assaulted her."

The woman "was able to escape" the man and contacted a passerby who called police, officials said.

Police said the suspect is described as a tall white man in his late 30s with a slender build who was last seen driving a gray four-door sedan. The attached sketch of the man was provided by the San Mateo Police Department.

"This is an active investigation and our detectives are working with the victim and witnesses to develop more information about the incident," police said.

San Mateo police reminded community members to take precautions when using rideshare applications and offered the following safety tips:

• Double-Check your ride share app to ensure the LICENSE PLATE, make, model and color of the car is the actual car assigned to you by the app.
• Take a picture of the license plate and vehicle.
• DO NOT get into a car or give your name to the driver until you ask “who are you here for?” IF the driver can’t identify your name, do not get in.
• Share your trip details with friends or family. According to Uber, you’re able to tap “Share status” in the mobile app and share your driver’s name, photo, license plate and location with a friend or family member. Lyft users can tap the “Send ETA” icon on the bottom bar, which will send a text message to family or friends with a link to your current route and location.
• Trust your instincts! If you are uncomfortable with the driver’s behavior or comments or you sense something is not right, don’t get in the car. If you are already in the car, ask to be dropped off and call 911.

— Image via San Mateo Police / Bay City News Service contributed to this report