Ride-Share Driver Suspected Of Sexually Assaulting Passenger In IE

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CA — An Inland Empire ride-share driver who allegedly sexually assaulted a passenger at gunpoint in early January was arrested this month, the California Highway Patrol announced Monday.

Antonio Ochoa, 50, of San Bernardino was taken into custody Feb. 1. He was booked into San Bernardino County jail on suspicion of sexual assault, kidnapping, and brandishing a firearm during the commission of a crime, the CHP reported.

The investigation into Ochoa began after a 37-year-old woman reported she was sexually assaulted by him in unincorporated San Bernardino County.

Her alleged encounter with him started around 6 a.m. Jan. 6 when she summoned a ride-share and Ochoa responded.

During the drive, Ochoa allegedly reached over the center console and sexually assaulted the woman. He also brandished a firearm "and continued his sexual assault via means of intimidation and fear," according to the CHP.

Once Ochoa arrived at the woman's requested destination, he refused to allow her to get out of the vehicle until she provided him with personal information. Fearing for her safety, she complied with his demand and was allowed out of the vehicle, the CHP reported.

After the incident, Ochoa fled to Mexico.

CHP investigators issued an arrest warrant and when they learned he reentered California from Mexico they took him into custody.

Anyone with additional information is asked to call CHP Officer Lomenick at 909-383-4247.