A Florida man was arrested this week after he allegedly raped an intoxicated woman during a Lyft ride.
According to the Miami Herald, the incident took place just before dawn on Feb. 27, when 26-year-old Lyft driver Kevyn Rojas picked up the alleged victim from a Wynwood bar. The woman, who was visiting from Texas, told police she was at the establishment with a friend, but decided to leave after she became sick and started vomiting. Rojas arrived at the bar minutes later, and began driving the woman back to her hotel on Collins Avenue. However, the woman claims Rojas went past her destination and continued to drive around before finding a place to park. It was at that time the Lyft driver allegedly got into the backseat and started to sexually assault the woman.
The victim explained to police that she repeatedly told Rojas to stop, but was too intoxicated to fight him off. The man reportedly returned to the driver’s seat minutes later and dropped off the passenger at her hotel. She immediately called police and filed a complaint. Police say they’ve reviewed surveillance footage that was consistent with the woman’s statements.
Rojas was arrested Tuesday at his home and charged with sexual battery on a physically helpless victim. His bond was set at $500,000.
“The allegations are that he raped her,” a state prosecutor said at a recent hearing.
Rojas faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted.
“Safety is fundamental to Lyft, and the behavior described is appalling,” a company spokesperson said in a statement. “The driver has been permanently removed from the Lyft community and we stand ready to assist law enforcement with their investigation in any way we can.”
