Man allegedly pretending to be rideshare driver charged with indecent act

A New South Wales man has been charged with sexually assaulting a woman after allegedly pretending to be her rideshare driver. 

The 34-year-old is accused of picking up the woman near a licensed premises in Wollongong early Saturday morning.

Detective Acting Inspector Jayson Joerdens said it would be alleged the man convinced the woman to get in his car.

“He claimed to be a rideshare driver, stating that his app had been broken,” he said.

“The woman entered the car and we’ll allege that at that time the man has conducted an indecent act upon [her].

“It’s extremely alarming for police that somebody like that is out there … these things could escalate quite swiftly.”

Investigations ongoing

The man was arrested while driving with a female passenger in Wollongong around 9pm on Monday.

He was charged with sexually touching another person without consent and driving without a licence.

Police are also investigating whether other women were approached by the man on the same night and have appealed for information from the public.

“It’s paramount that we know straight away so we can conduct our investigations,” Detective Acting Inspector Joerdens said.

He also urged people to be cautious when using rideshare apps.

“Make sure that you’re checking the driver, the registration of the vehicle and the driver against the details that are on the app … share your trip with your friends.

“If you’re able to stay inside while you’re waiting for your ride to come, please do so.”

The man was granted conditional bail to appear in Wollongong Local Court next month.