Last Updated on April 2, 2017 by CCAR Staff
SANTA ANA >> Santa Ana police arrested a man at his Costa Mesa home Saturday on suspicion of sexually assaulting his Uber customer.
Angel Sanchez, 37, is being held on $100,000 bail at Santa Ana Jail, the police department announced Sunday.
On Thursday night, a woman attending a company party in Newport Beach requested an Uber ride to her Santa Ana residence. She told police that the suspect drove her to an isolated area near Euclid Avenue and the 22 Freeway, where she was assaulted, according to Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna.
The woman managed to escape from the man’s vehicle, a gray 2016 Toyota Sienna, and contact police, Bertagna said.
“Based on the way the assault was committed, we believe there may be a pattern,” Bertagna said. “Often, victims are afraid to report sexual assaults.”
In its statement, the police department urged customers to take “appropriate precaution” when using online ride services.
“Especially if you are a woman and especially if you are intoxicated, don’t take a ride alone,” Bertagna said. “We encourage people to use Uber and Lyft if they have been drinking, but you should always be careful.”
Police are looking for witnesses to the assault and for other potential victims. To provide information, call the department at 714-245-8412.
