Uber suspends the suspect, who allegedly picked up a woman, dropped her off at the airport and went back to break into her home.
12:57, UK,Wednesday 01 April 2015
Suspect Gerald Montgomery, 51
Police have arrested an Uber driver accused of trying to break into a woman’s home in Denver after dropping her off at the city’s airport.
The suspect has been identified as 51-year-old Gerald Montgomery.
Police say he drove the woman to Denver International Airport last week, but then allegedly returned to the home where he had picked her up and tried to break in through the back door.
Montgomery did not know his passenger had a roommate who was still in the house, and he fled when the “homeowner observed his actions”, according to a police report.
San Francisco taxi drivers protesting against Uber
Uber said it immediately suspended Montgomery after it learned of the incident.
“We spoke with the rider, refunded her ride and informed her that the driver has been deactivated,” said a company representative, Taylor Patterson.
“We remain committed to supporting Denver law enforcement in any way we can.”
Uber, a San Francisco-based company that is now among the most valuable US start-ups, is facing increasing scrutiny over its drivers and practices.
Uber drivers use their own vehicles, which the company says gives consumers access to a cheaper means of transport than traditional taxicabs.
The company said drivers must undergo full criminal and driving history background checks, which include local, federal and multi-state screenings.
But drivers in cities including Chicago, Boston and Washington DC have been arrested for assaulting passengers, prompting multiple lawsuits from victims.
Source: Sky News
