State Police Seek Additional Victims in Luzerne County Rideshare Investigation
Pennsylvania State Police arrested a 39-year-old Lyft driver Wednesday for allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting a male passenger in Luzerne County. Edwin Valentin Perez of Hazle Township faces charges after allegedly using an inhalant to incapacitate his victim during a ride on Tuesday. Police revealed the suspect had a previous incident while driving for Uber, prompting investigators to seek additional potential victims. Lyft has permanently banned Perez from its platform and cooperates with law enforcement.
5 Key Points
- Edwin Valentin Perez, 39, was arrested Wednesday for allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting a male Lyft passenger.
- The suspect allegedly used an inhalant substance to incapacitate his victim.
- Perez had previous police contact for harassment while driving for Uber.
- The incident occurred in a red 2012 Toyota RAV 4.
- Pennsylvania State Police are actively seeking additional potential victims.
Details of the Arrest and Investigation
Pennsylvania State Police arrested Edwin Valentin Perez at his Hazle Township residence on Wednesday without incident. The 39-year-old rideshare driver was transported to Luzerne County Correctional Facility following allegations of drugging and sexually assaulting a male passenger. Trooper Bill Evans, public information officer for Pennsylvania State Police Troop P, detailed that Perez allegedly administered an inhalant substance to incapacitate the victim before committing the assault. The incident occurred while Perez operated his red 2012 Toyota RAV 4 as a Lyft driver.
Prior Incidents and Public Safety Concerns
Investigators discovered Perez had previous contact with law enforcement while working as an Uber driver, involving harassment and disorderly conduct charges. Pennsylvania State Police Troop P’s Wilkes-Barre Criminal Investigation Unit launched an investigation to identify potential additional victims. “One thing you can also do during the course of a ride share is to stay on the phone with somebody that way there’s somebody else who knows you’re okay during the course of your ride,” Trooper Evans advised. “Have them stay on the phone with you until you get to the door of your destination.”
Rideshare Company Response
Lyft responded swiftly to the incident, permanently removing Perez from their platform. A company spokesperson stated: “The behavior described is reprehensible and has no place in the Lyft community or society. We contacted the rider to offer support, have permanently banned the driver from the Lyft platform, and stand ready to assist law enforcement with their investigation.”
Safety Recommendations for Rideshare Users
In response to the incident, the Pennsylvania State Police issued several safety guidelines for rideshare passengers. Troopers emphasized the importance of checking window and door locks when entering vehicles and maintaining communication with a trusted contact throughout rides. The Pennsylvania State Police Troop P Wilkes-Barre Criminal Investigation Unit urges anyone with information about similar incidents or potential victims to contact them at 570-822-5515.
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. Contact our legal experts to learn about your rights and start a free, confidential case review.
Q: What specific charges does Edwin Valentin Perez face?
A: The source material does not specify the exact criminal charges filed.
Q: When did the alleged assault take place?
A: The assault occurred on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.
Q: How can riders verify their driver’s identity?
A: While not explicitly mentioned in the source, riders should check that the driver, car, and license plate match the information provided in their rideshare app.
Q: What should someone do if they believe they were victimized?
A: Contact the Pennsylvania State Police Troop P Wilkes-Barre Criminal Investigation Unit at 570-822-5515.
Q: What immediate actions did Lyft take?
A: Lyft permanently banned the driver, contacted the rider to offer support, and pledged cooperation with law enforcement.
Citations
Durante, Samantha (August 22, 2024). Rideshare driver accused of drugging, sexually assaulting passenger. Local21News. https://www.local21news.com/news/local/rideshare-driver-accused-of-drugging-sexually-assaulting-passenger
