Lyft driver arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a passenger
A ride-hail driver was arrested this week after authorities say he sexually assaulted a passenger he picked up from a pub.
The woman summoned the driver — identified as Octavio Alvarez Gomez, 37 — about 10 p.m. on Tuesday via Lyft to take her to her home in Van Nuys. Before she got out of the car, Gomez sexually assaulted her, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Detectives conducted surveillance on the suspect and subsequently arrested him on suspicion of kidnapping with the intent to commit a sexual assault, rape, sexual penetration with a foreign object and sexual battery.
Gomez is being held on more than $2.2-million bail.
Police are asking the public’s help in finding additional possible victims. Anyone with information is asked to call investigators at (818) 374-9500.
alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com
Twitter: @AleneTchek
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