EL CAJON, Calif. -- An Uber driver was arrested this week on accusations he sexually assaulting a female passenger in February, El Cajon police announced.
John Sanchez, 53, of Talmadge was arrested Tuesday on a felony count of raping a drugged person. He was arraigned Wednesday. His bail is $100,000.
Police said the incident was reported on Feb. 26. Uber immediately suspended Sanchez and barred him from driving for the company. El Cajon police report that they served search warrants for Sanchez’s home and vehicle during the nearly month-long investigation.
Sanchez drove a silver-colored 2012 Scion XB, police said. Investigators are unsure if this is alleged incident was isolated, or if there are more possible victims.
An Uber spokeswoman said Sanchez passed the local, state and federal criminal background check and did not have a criminal record.
Uber officials issued this statement on the incident:
"Uber takes safety incidents like this very seriously, and our thoughts are with the victim and her family. Uber immediately removed this driver-partner from the platform following our initial contact with the El Cajon Police Department. We have been working closely with law enforcement to assist their investigation."
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the El Cajon Police Department at 619-579-3311 or the Crime Stoppers tip line at 888-580-8477.
