Police Monday announced the arrest of a man accused of posing as a "ride service driver," picking up a woman in West Hollywood on May 13 and driving a short distance to Beverly Hills, where he allegedly pulled over and sexually assaulted her.
Beverly Hills police detectives conducted surveillance on May 20 and ultimately identified and arrested Carlos Omar Pinchinte, 40, of Los Angeles, in connection with the alleged sexual assault, said Beverly Hills police Lt. Elisabeth Albanese.
Pinchinte was driving a silver 2015 four-door Kia Rio at the time of his arrest, according to Albanese, who did not say when he was taken into custody.
"Beverly Hills police detectives have been actively investigating this sexual assault since Pinchinte's arrest and believe he may be connected to additional sexual assaults in the Los Angeles area," she said in a prepared statement.
Pinchinte was arrested on suspicion of rape, in addition to other felonies. He's being held in lieu of $1,350,000 bail and is due in court on Thursday, she said.
Uber representatives said fake drivers are a problem in many cities, with Los Angeles being one of them.
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The rideshare company is urging passengers to double check the information in the app and take advantage of safety features offered, such as the ability to track where your driver is.
Beverly Hills police detectives asked victims of similar sexual assaults or anyone with any information regarding the May 13 attack to call them at (310) 285-2158.
