Disclaimer: This article contains information about a criminal act and may be distressing for some readers. Please read at your own discretion.
North Texas — A North Texas Uber driver is facing sexual assault charges for allegedly assaulting a 12-year-old passenger.
Plano police arrested 31-year-old Robert Johnson III of Garland on July 15 following an investigation by the department’s Special Victims Unit after the child’s mother contacted authorities.
Investigators say Johnson picked up a 12-year-old unaccompanied juvenile in Frisco on July 9. Johnson allegedly pulled over at 4200 Legacy Dr. in Plane and sexually molested the youngster.
A police complaint was made after the youngster informed their mother about the event the next day. Plano police told CBS News Texas via email that they are not releasing the child’s sex.
On July 12, a court issued a warrant for aggravated sexual assault of a kid.
Johnson was freed from the Collin County Jail in McKinney after posting a $200,000 bail on Monday.
CBS News Texas reached out to Uber to inquire about the event.
“This terrible conduct is unacceptable in our culture and on the Uber platform. We take allegations like these extremely seriously and have permanently blacklisted the driver.
“We have spoken with the Plano Police Department about their investigation,” a business spokeswoman stated.
Uber stated that the ride was not requested using an Uber for Teens account.
Uber stated that the ride was not ordered using a juvenile account, and they are still investigating the matter.
According to Uber’s Community Guidelines, account holders must be at least 18 years old, and minors must be accompanied by an adult. “Accounts used to transport unaccompanied minors may be deactivated,” according to their support website.
Uber for Teens accounts are available in a few chosen cities throughout the United States. The adolescent accounts are defined as “the only authorized way for teens aged 13-17 to use the Uber platform with consent from their legal guardian.”
According to the initiative, guardians who set up a teen account would receive notifications every time their kid wants a ride, as well as real-time alerts and live trip monitoring via the app.
Dallas is one of 21 Texas cities that provide Uber for adolescents.
The Plano Police Department reminded citizens to stay careful and take safeguards when utilizing ridesharing services.
Police advice for using ride-sharing applications
If your driver makes you feel uncomfortable or dangerous, heed your instincts and contact 911.
Avoid disclosing personal information to your driver, especially why you are traveling to your destination.
Share your itinerary with a friend or family member so they can follow your whereabouts in real time.
Before getting into the automobile, make sure the driver, vehicle, and license plate match the information in the app.
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Instead of telling the driver your name, ask him to confirm it before getting inside the car.
Sitting in the rear seat, especially if you’re riding alone, can help you depart securely and provide you with some privacy.