A woman earlier this month jumped out of a car in Kent and ran away, miles south of Pioneer Square where she was allegedly picked up by a stranger impersonating an Uber driver, according to Seattle police.
The 25-year-old woman ordered an Uber to leave a bar in the 400 block of First Avenue South in Pioneer Square on Oct. 10, Seattle police said in a blotter post. She entered the vehicle after a man driving a white four-door sedan confirmed the ride was for her, though she did not check the car's license plate or the driver’s name.
The woman noticed the driver pass her exit before receiving a notification that her Uber ride had been canceled. She then realized the driver was following directions from Google Maps rather than the Uber app.
She alerted friends as the driver continued south on Interstate 5 toward Kent. The woman told police she believed the driver exited the freeway and went through three intersections. Fearing for her safety, she jumped out of the vehicle at a red light and ran away. Friends located her shortly afterward near Military Road South and Kent-Des Moines Road, police said.
The vehicle sped off after she escaped. Seattle police are continuing to investigate the incident.
Police are asking the public for assistance in identifying the suspect and vehicle. Tips or information can be submitted to the Seattle police violent crimes tip line at 206-233-5000.
Surveillance cameras, which had been turned off in the neighborhood, did not capture the vehicle picking her up, Seattle police said.
We get cases periodically where people feel a little uncomfortable with the driver, but this is pretty rare, said Detective Brian Pritchard.
Police recommend rideshare passengers book their rides inside and wait with a friend, if possible. They also recommend confirming the driver’s name, photo and license plate before boarding.
Passengers should sit in the back seat, check child-safety locks and share their ride details with friends, while looking outside to be sure where the vehicle is going. Riders who feel unsafe can call or text 911.
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