Baltimore Police investigating 39 rideshare carjacking, robbery cases since last month
BALTIMORE -- Since early November, Baltimore City police say there have been 39 cases where rideshare drivers or their passengers have been targeted.
According to police, the victims have been robbed, carjacked, forced into their trunks and in one case, even raped.
Crimes targeting rideshare drivers and passengers have been happening across the country where criminals order an Uber or Lyft, carjack the driver, then use the app to pickup unsuspecting passengers.
A law enforcement official acknowledged this type of crime is so new - the FBI hasn't had enough time to generate statistics as yet.
Police Commissioner Michael Harrison and federal partners announced on Wednesday six teenagers - 15 to 18 years old, were arrested this week in Baltimore and the suspects are connected to at least a dozen rideshare crimes.
Police say an underaged suspect was also arrested for raping a victim.
Last week, police announced that at least nine juveniles had been arrested in connection with the carjackings.
"It's dangerous, it's really really dangerous for the driver and for the riders," said rideshare driver Kim.
Harrison said there are two warrants out for another suspect in rideshare carjacking crime.
He said most of the crimes have happened in South Baltimore and some may have crossed into Baltimore County.
"The criminals often carjack an active individual or driver, and in some cases, will use the app to respond to calls and rob unsuspected riders," Harrison said. "These incidents involve both drivers and customers, where in multiple incidents, victims were forced into the vehicle, essentially being kidnapped, and then driven around to various areas."
Police said most of these rideshare carjackings are committed by repeat offenders.
They use two, or a group, to carjack a victim.
"All of us are working around the clock to arrest those responsible and resolve these cases," Harrison said. "We must ensure these individuals stay in jail and are no longer a threat. We are working hand-in-hand with the U.S. Attorney's Office and Attorney General in prosecuting these cases."
Harrison added that the Baltimore City Police Department updated its rideshare protocols to upload information on their license plate reader system to send out to officers on patrol.
Police also provided tips to ensure safety:
- Always confirm the license plate, car make and model, the driver's photo and who the driver is before getting into the vehicle
- Always check to make sure there are no other riders in the vehicle
- For ride-share drivers, use precaution before picking up fares of three or more people
- Always call 911 immediately if something doesn't seem right
"FBI is working with the Baltimore Police Department and other agencies and ride-share companies to ensure our community remains safe during the holidays," said Baltimore FBI Special Agent in Charge Thomas Sobocinski.
'There have also been cases in other cities, including a Lyft driver who fought off an armed attacker in Washington, D.C.
In New York, prosecutors released chilling video of a rideshare driver's carjacking and said they had arrested a gang behind a series of violent crimes.
In Prince George's County, police said two 14-year-old suspects used a replica handgun to carjack a rideshare driver over the weekend.
