LYFT Driver Charged With Raping Passenger

FREMONT, CA — A LYFT driver has been arrested and charged with raping a passenger. She was picked up in Oakland for a ride to Berkeley. However, police say she was taken to the driver's home in Fremont where she was sexually assaulted. The suspect, 24-year-old Jaswanthreddy Baireddy, is facing three charges including "Rape by means where victim is unconscious."

Fremont Police say the attack happened on April 8. A 29-year-old woman ordered a ride through the LYFT app. Baireddy picked up the victim and drove her initially to an address in Berkeley. But when the woman's friend was not at home, Baireddy told the victim that he was off-duty and would drive her to her home.

Police say that Baireddy drove past the victim’s exit on the freeway. She pointed out the exit and expressed a desire to go home. Instead, Baireddy suggested the victim rest while he got her food. He drove to Fremont, stopped at a drive thru restaurant and then took her to his own residence in the 38000 block of Camden Street in Fremont.

According to Fremont Police, "Baireddy escorted the victim inside his home and offered her marijuana. Within a short period of time, Baireddy directed the victim upstairs. Once upstairs, Baireddy informed the victim he was too tired to drive and suggested she lay down. Shortly after, the victim was sexually assaulted. Following the assault, Baireddy drove the victim home."

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The victim sought medical care and contacted local law enforcement. Based on the victim’s statement, Baireddy’s statement and physical evidence, Baireddy was arrested.

The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has charged Baireddy with the following felonies:

• PC 288A(F) - Forced oral copulation where victim is unconscious
• PC 289(E) - Forced digital penetration where victim is prevented from resisting due to intoxicating substance
• PC 261(A)(4) - Rape by means where victim is unconscious

As a LYFT operator, Baireddy drove a rented white Hyundai Elantra, above, which he returned before his arrest. If you know of other incidents involving Baireddy, call Detective C. Tang at 510-790-6900 or email ctang@fremont.gov. Anonymous tips may be sent by text to 888-777.

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-Images via Fremont Police