Full Notification

San Mateo Police detectives are actively investigating a report of a sexual assault of an adult woman by an unknown man posing as a rideshare driver. Our detectives are working tirelessly on this investigation and we want to remind our community to take precautions when using ride-share applications.

On Tuesday, Aug. 14 at about 7 p.m., San Mateo Police received a call from a passerby in the area of the 1400 block of Fashion Island Boulevard reporting that an assault had just occurred. San Mateo Police officers arrived within two minutes and located the victim. Our preliminary investigation indicates the victim was in San Mateo around State Route 92 when she was picked up by a driver who presented himself as being associated with a ride-share company. The victim reported the suspect drove her to a secluded area and sexually assaulted her. The victim was able to escape and with the assistance of a passerby called police. The suspect fled the area in a gray 4-door sedan. The victim described the suspect as a tall white male, in his late 30s, with a slender build.

This is an active investigation and our detectives are working with the victim and witnesses to develop more information about the incident. Attached is a sketch of the suspect and description provided by the victim. Due to this being an ongoing investigation, at this time this is the only information we can share. As the investigation progresses we will release information as it becomes available.

Anyone with information about this incident or identity of the suspect is asked to please contact Detective Nicole Von Glahn at (650) 522-7655 or by email: [email protected]. Anonymous tips can be submitted at http://tinyurl.com/SMPDTips or by calling the SMPD Secret Witness Line at (650) 522-7676.

AS A REMINDER TO OUR COMMUNITY, PLEASE TAKE PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING RIDE SHARE APPS AND FOLLOW THESE SAFTEY TIPS:

• Double-Check your ride share app to ensure the LICENSE PLATE, make, model and color of the car is the actual car assigned to you by the app.
• Take a picture of the license plate and vehicle.
• DO NOT get into a car or give your name to the driver until you ask “who are you here for?” IF the driver can’t identify your name, do not get in.
• Share your trip details with friends or family. According to Uber, you’re able to tap “Share status” in the mobile app and share your driver’s name, photo, license plate and location with a friend or family member. Lyft users can tap the “Send ETA” icon on the bottom bar, which will send a text message to family or friends with a link to your current route and location.
• Trust your instincts! If you are uncomfortable with the driver’s behavior or comments or you sense something is not right, don’t get in the car. If you are already in the car, ask to be dropped off and call 911.