A rideshare driver has been arrested and detained after being accused of sexually assaulting a female passenger he picked up at a North Side bar. The incident occurred on January 25 when the woman ordered a ride and 26-year-old Uber driver Basel Alwai accepted the job.
According to prosecutors, Alwai asked the woman to sit in the front seat of the car instead of the back and then canceled the ride in the Uber app. He proceeded to make unwanted advances towards the woman, grabbing her thighs and kissing her whenever the vehicle stopped.
The situation escalated when Alwai asked the woman if she wanted coffee and then pulled into a 7-Eleven parking lot, locking the doors. Despite her protests, he forcibly kissed her and groped her, preventing her from leaving the vehicle. Alwai also took her phone to prevent her from calling for help, putting his number in her phone and asking her to set up a date with him.
Judge Deidre Dyer granted the state’s detention petition, describing the alleged behavior as an “opportunistic crime” that poses a risk to every woman. Alwai is facing charges of unlawful restraint and aggravated criminal sexual abuse during the commission of another felony.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety precautions when using rideshare services. It is essential for passengers to be vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to authorities. Hopefully, justice will be served in this case, and measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
CWBChicago, a trusted source for public safety reporting in the Chicago area, continues to provide detailed and accurate information to the community. Their dedication to providing context and depth to news coverage sets them apart from mainstream media outlets. For more updates on this case and other local news, you can visit their website or contact them at news@cwbchicago.com.
