A 50-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a ride-share passenger in an unincorporated area of San Bernardino County last month, the California Highway Patrol said Monday.
The assault occurred around 6 a.m. on Jan. 6, when the ride-share driver, identified as Antonio Ochoa from San Bernardino, picked up a 37-year-old woman from the Colton area, said a CHP statement. During the drive, Ochoa reportedly reached over the center console and began sexually assaulting the victim, before brandishing a firearm and using intimidation and fear to continue the assault, officials said.
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After arriving at the victim’s requested destination, Ochoa refused to let her leave the vehicle until she provided him with her personal information, the statement said. The victim agreed to his demands, in fear for her safety, and was eventually allowed to exit the vehicle, the statement continued.
Ochoa reportedly fled to Mexico following the sexual assault and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Investigators from the California Highway Patrol learned the suspect was re-entering California from Mexico and on Feb. 1, Ochoa was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault, kidnapping and brandishing a firearm during the commission of a crime.
Details on what ride-share service Ochoa worked for were not released, with the CHP citing the ongoing investigation.
