National

Uber Driver Charged With Sexual Assault After Attack In Markham, Ont.

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 27 Apr, 2016 11:39 AM

MARKHAM, Ont. — A man driving for the popular ride-hailing company Uber has been charged with sexual assault after an alleged attack on a passenger.

York Regional Police say the incident happened shortly after midnight on Tuesday morning when a woman in her 30s used the Uber app to arrange a ride in Richmond Hill, just north of Toronto.

Police say the driver took the woman to a parking lot in nearby Markham where she was allegedly sexually assaulted.

Police say 30-year-old Ahmadfayim Bayat is now charged with one count of sexual assault.

They say Uber has been co-operative in the investigation.

Bayat is due in court later today for a bail hearing.

Susie Heath, a spokeswoman for Uber, said in an email that the company takes "every safety incident very seriously and are committed to the safety of everyone who uses Uber."

"Upon hearing of this disturbing incident, we immediately removed the driver from the platform and contacted York Regional Police to offer our assistance and have supported them in their investigation," she added.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Idle No More protesters stage sit-in in solidarity with Attawapiskat

A live video feed set up by the Idle No More group shows a number of protesters inside the office, some holding up an upside-down Canadian flag.

Idle No More protesters stage sit-in in solidarity with Attawapiskat

Canada's 'Achilles Heel' Is Lagging Productivity

During the company's annual shareholder meeting in Calgary, Porter said Canada's ongoing slide in productivity behind its global peers is a major problem that needs to be addressed.

Canada's 'Achilles Heel' Is Lagging Productivity

Bottled Water, Porta-Potties Rushed In After Victoria Airport Water Main Breaks

Food services, other than basic flight services, have been suspended until taps are flowing again.

Bottled Water, Porta-Potties Rushed In After Victoria Airport Water Main Breaks

Crown Questions Father Of Boy Who Died Of Meningitis Over Naturopathic Remedies

David Stephan, 32 and his wife, Collet, 35, are in the middle of a jury trial on charges of failing to provide the necessaries of life for their son, Ezekiel, in March 2012.

Crown Questions Father Of Boy Who Died Of Meningitis Over Naturopathic Remedies

Stephane Dion Releases 'Secret' Saudi Arms Documents On Controversial Saudi Lav Contract

The documents shed new light on the controversial Saudi deal, as well as the Canadian government's view of the murky world of Canadian arms exports to a volatile region.

Stephane Dion Releases 'Secret' Saudi Arms Documents On Controversial Saudi Lav Contract

Family Of Alberta Man Burned In Bath At A Care Home Disappointed With Report

David Holmes was a resident at a home for people with developmental disabilities and had severe cognitive impairment with little or no verbal communication, requiring help from full-time caregivers for all activities of daily living.