Yordan Diaz Vera faces immigration detainer after Lyft assault charges: police
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A Kentucky Lyft driver accused of sexually assaulting a female passenger on the way to a doctor’s appointment is now being held in a U.S. immigration detention center, according to local police records.
Yordan Diaz Vera, 34, of Louisville, is charged with first-degree sodomy, menacing and kidnapping, according to Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) records obtained by Fox News Digital.
He also has an immigration detention officer in the United States, indicating that federal officials believe he could be deported.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) did not immediately confirm to Fox News Digital whether Diaz Vera was in the country illegally.
Yordan Diaz Vera, 34, of Louisville, is charged with first-degree sodomy, menacing and kidnapping. (Louisville Metro Police Department)
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The victim told authorities that on Feb. 4, her doctor’s office arranged for a Lyft ride to take her from her home to the appointment.
According to the incident report, after picking up the victim, Diaz Vera opened the glove compartment of the car, revealing the gun inside.
Police said the man then pulled over, got out of the car and got into the backseat with the victim.
The report stated that he tried to escape but could not open the door because it was locked.
Lyft said Diaz Vera was removed from the platform. (iStock)
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According to authorities, when Diaz Vera got into the backseat with the victim, he forced her to engage in sexual intercourse.
The victim said he was able to call police when he was dropped off at the doctor’s office.
LMPD officials told Fox News Digital there is “currently” no evidence to suggest the incident is part of a related series of events.
Lyft said it was working with authorities on the case. (Serene Lee/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
“The individual was quickly taken into custody due to the prompt reporting and timely investigative activities of the LMPD SVU Sexual and Physical Investigations Division,” LMPD said in a statement. “We hope that timely investigations and successful prosecutions will enable past, present and future victims to come forward and contact law enforcement.”
A Lyft spokesperson told Fox News Digital that Diaz Vera has been permanently removed from the Lyft platform and that the company is assisting law enforcement in the investigation.
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“The behavior described is reprehensible and has no place in the Lyft community or society,” the spokesperson wrote in a statement.
All Lyft drivers must meet certain requirements to drive on the platform, including having a valid Social Security number and driver’s license.
