Police: Fake Uber driver tries to sexually assault woman in Woodbury

A man posing as an Uber driver drove a woman from Uptown to Woodbury and attempted to sexually assault her, police said Monday.

The attack occurred about 6:30 a.m. Saturday, moments before police were alerted, said Cmdr. Steve Wills of the Woodbury Police Department.

"She fought the subject off and fled to a house," said Wills, who added that authorities are trying to locate the suspect.

Police have a description of the man and his vehicle but are withholding that information in order to avoid compromising the investigation, Wills said. He also declined to reveal details about the attack or what the man did to convince the woman that he drove for Uber.

Other than being shaken, the young woman was unharmed, the commander added.

Passengers who request an Uber ride are sent the driver's name and photograph, a license plate number, and a driver rating to ensure the patron's safety. Also, a legitimate driver knows the name of the person requesting a ride.

As for Uber drivers soliciting customers for rides, that is forbidden, said Uber spokeswoman Kayla Whaling. "We do not allow street pickups," she said. "Everything is done through the app."

Paul Walsh