A Kentucky Lyft driver accused of attacking a female passenger during a ride to a doctor’s appointment is now facing not only serious felony charges — but also a U.S. immigration detainer.
Yordan Diaz Vera, 34, of Louisville, has been charged with first-degree sodomy, kidnapping and menacing, according to Louisville Metro Police Department records. Local records also show that federal immigration authorities have placed a detainer on him, signaling he may be subject to removal proceedings.
The Department of Homeland Security has not confirmed whether Diaz Vera was in the country illegally.
According to police, the alleged assault happened on Feb. 4 after a doctor’s office arranged a Lyft to transport the woman from her home to an appointment.
Investigators say that after picking her up, Diaz Vera allegedly opened the glove compartment of the vehicle and displayed a gun. Authorities claim he then pulled the car over, got out, and climbed into the backseat with the passenger.
The victim told police she attempted to escape but was unable to open the locked door.
Once in the backseat, Diaz Vera allegedly forced her into sexual acts, according to the incident report.
Police say the woman was able to contact authorities after she was dropped off at her doctor’s office.
Louisville Metro Police officials said there is currently no evidence suggesting the case is connected to other similar incidents.
“The subject was taken into custody quickly due to the prompt reporting and timely investigative actions by the LMPD SVU Office of Sexual and Physical Investigations,” the department said in a statement. “It is our hope that timely investigations and successful prosecutions such as this empower victims — past, present and future — to come forward and communicate with law enforcement.”
Lyft confirmed Diaz Vera has been permanently removed from the platform.
“The behavior described is reprehensible and has no place in the Lyft community or society,” a company spokesperson said, adding that Lyft is cooperating fully with law enforcement.
According to Lyft policy, drivers must meet certain requirements to operate on the platform, including possessing a valid driver’s license and Social Security number.
Diaz Vera remains in custody as the case moves forward.
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