A Massachusetts man is facing a number of charges after allegedly assaulting a female Uber driver while a passenger in her vehicle over the weekend, authorities said.
James D. Oakes, 25, of Seekonk, is charged with strangulation or suffocation, kidnapping, assault with intent to rape, assault and battery, unarmed robbery, witness intimidation, and interfering with a Ride Share driver, according to Seekonk police.
Multiple patrol units were rushed to the vicinity of County Street and Arrowhead Road about 1:35 a.m. on Saturday after receiving a report of a suspected motor vehicle crash, according to police.
When units arrived, they discovered a vehicle on the lawn of a residential property, according to police.
The Uber driver informed responding officers that she had just been assaulted by a male passenger who had fled the scene.
According to police, the victim then stated that she made a pickup from North Seekonk with a destination in South Seekonk.
According to authorities, a man named Oakes entered her vehicle from the pick-up address on his own.
According to authorities, while en route to the intended destination, Oakes, the single passenger, gave the driver an alternate target address.
When they arrived at the alternate location, Oakes allegedly ordered the victim back down a lengthy, unlit driveway, according to authorities.
The driver initially refused, but eventually agreed. While in the driveway, Oakes reportedly assaulted the victim.
According to authorities, the woman was able to put her vehicle in motion and drive away as the assault was ongoing.
When the vehicle came to a stop on a front lawn, Oakes allegedly snatched the victim’s cell phone and fled.
According to authorities, the victim then began honking the car horn in the hopes of alerting a neighbor for help.
After hearing the disturbance, a resident phoned the police.
On Sunday, Seekonk authorities detectives conducted an investigation and acquired an arrest warrant for Oakes, according to authorities.
Oakes was arrested later Sunday without incident.
