A disturbing incident involving a rideshare driver has led to his detention as a “risk to every woman.” Prosecutors have accused 26-year-old Uber driver Basel Alwai of sexually abusing a female passenger he picked up at a North Side bar.
According to prosecutors, the woman ordered a ride after leaving a bar on January 25, and Alwai accepted the job. However, instead of taking her to her destination, he allegedly made unwanted advances towards her. Alwai asked the woman to sit in the front seat and then canceled the ride in the Uber app. He proceeded to grab the woman’s thighs and kiss her whenever the vehicle stopped, despite her objections.
The situation escalated when Alwai suggested getting coffee and pulled into a 7-Eleven parking lot. Prosecutors claim that he locked the doors, forcibly kissed the woman, and groped her as she tried to push him away. He also allegedly took her phone to prevent her from calling for help, put his number in her phone, and asked her to call him to set up a date.
The state filed a detention petition, which was granted by Judge Deidre Dyer. She described the alleged behavior as an “opportunistic crime” that poses a threat to every woman. Alwai now faces charges of unlawful restraint and aggravated criminal sexual abuse during the commission of another felony.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures when using rideshare services. It is crucial for passengers to remain vigilant, trust their instincts, and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from potential harm. Authorities continue to investigate the case, and Alwai remains in custody as the legal process unfolds.
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