LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Police have released details about a sexual assault case involving a Lyft driver in Louisville.
According to the Louisville Metro Police Department, officers arrested 34-year-old Yordan Diaz Vera earlier this month.
Investigators allege that while working as a driver for Lyft, Diaz Vera picked up a mother of four from her home on Feb. 4 and then forced her at gunpoint to perform sex acts.
The victim’s attorney told WLKY that the woman’s chiropractor arranged the Lyft ride for her.
According to the citation, the victim entered the backseat of the vehicle. The suspect allegedly pulled into a church parking lot near the doctor’s office, removed a gun from the glove compartment and locked the doors. Police said he then climbed into the backseat and sodomized the victim.
Authorities said Diaz Vera later drove the victim to her medical appointment. Afterward, she contacted police and provided a description. Officers arrested Diaz Vera the following day in a Kroger parking lot.
Diaz Vera faces charges of first-degree sodomy, menacing and kidnapping.
Police said he also has a federal immigration detainer, a request to hold him in custody for possible removal proceedings.
The victim’s attorney said Diaz Vera is from Cuba and entered the United States illegally in 2022. To drive for Lyft, applicants must have a valid driver’s license, pass a background check and carry insurance.
The attorney added that Diaz Vera had a work permit and was awaiting a hearing to obtain legal status at the time of his arrest.
The victim’s attorney said she remains traumatized and fears that deportation could affect her pursuit of justice.
Lyft provided the following statement to WLKY:
“The behavior described is reprehensible and has no place in the Lyft community or society. We have permanently removed the driver from the Lyft platform and are assisting law enforcement with their investigation.”
Anyone with additional information about Diaz Vera is asked to contact LMPD’s anonymous tip line at (502) 574-LMPD (5673).
The investigation remains ongoing.
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