Police Investigation Reveals Attack During Late-Night Pickup
A Lyft driver faces sexual assault charges after attacking his passenger during what should have been a routine downtown Austin ride. Police took Maurys O. Madruga-Mesa, 42, into custody following a four-month investigation into the May incident.
5 Key Points
- Driver forced passenger to move to front seat during ride
- GPS data and phone records tracked route deviation
- Suspect confessed to inappropriate touching in police interview
- Lyft handed over records after grand jury subpoena
- Madruga-Mesa sits in Travis County Jail on $40,000 bond
The Attack
The night began with a standard Lyft pickup in downtown Austin on May 6. Court records detail how Madruga-Mesa veered off the GPS route multiple times, each stop taking him further from the passenger’s destination. He peppered the drive with inappropriate comments before ordering his passenger into the front seat. The victim tried texting friends for help as Madruga-Mesa touched her without consent. She finally broke free from the car near her home, immediately calling the police to report the assault.
Digital Trail
Austin police pulled data from the Lyft app and cell towers, creating a map of every unauthorized turn and stop. The GPS trail showed lengthy pauses at locations far from the planned route. In the interrogation room, detectives laid out this timeline. Madruga-Mesa’s initial denials fell apart. He admitted to touching the passenger, contradicting his first statement about a routine ride.
Building the Case
The investigation lasted four months as detectives gathered tech evidence and witness statements. A grand jury stepped in, forcing Lyft to release its complete files on Madruga-Mesa—background checks, passenger complaints, and exact GPS coordinates from the night. The rideshare company’s records revealed every location and timestamp, backing up the victim’s account down to the minute. Police found enough evidence to arrest Madruga-Mesa, who now sits in Travis County Jail under a $40,000 bond.
Beyond One Ride
This attack adds to a pattern of rideshare assaults across Austin. While Lyft requires driver background checks and tracks real-time GPS, passengers face risks during late-night rides. Police records show multiple drivers exploiting empty streets and wrong turns to isolate passengers. The Travis County DA’s office now handles several similar cases, each exposing gaps in passenger protection after dark.
FAQ
Q: What should I do if I experienced sexual assault during a rideshare trip?
A: If you experienced sexual assault during a rideshare, you may have legal options. Click here for a free, confidential case review to learn about your rights and next steps.
Q: What charges does the former Lyft driver face?
A: Maurys O. Madruga-Mesa faces sexual assault charges.
Q: When did the alleged assault occur?
A: The incident occurred on May 6, 2024, during a nighttime ride in Austin.
Q: What evidence supported the victim’s account?
A: Police used GPS data from the Lyft app and cell phone records to verify the route deviation and timeline.
Q: How did Lyft respond to the investigation?
A: Lyft cooperated by providing ride history and driver information in response to a grand jury subpoena.
Q: What is the current status of the case?
A: The investigation continues while Madruga-Mesa remains on a $40,000 bond in Travis County Jail.
Citations
Brolley, T. (2024, September 16). Austin police arrest Lyft driver after alleged assault during ride. CBS Austin. https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/former-lyft-driver-charged-with-sexual-assault-in-austin-police-report
