New Year's Day Ride-Share Rape Suspect Arrested In San Carlos

SAN CARLOS — A man suspected of an attempted rape on New Year's Day was arrested Thursday in San Carlos.

The victim, an adult female, was standing on a sidewalk in San Francisco on the morning of New Year's Day waiting for her ride-share to take her to San Carlos.

According to the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, the suspect, identified as Richard Silverio, saw the woman and offered to drive her to her destination. The woman got in the suspect's car.

Silverio was a contracted driver with a ride-share company, according to the sheriff's office, although the suspect was not on duty at the time he picked the victim up.

Near the victim's destination in San Carlos, police say that Silverio took out a knife and said that he wanted sex as payment for the ride. A struggle took place inside the car and the victim managed to break free and run, but Silverio caught her and attempted to rape her. She was again able to escape, then ran to a gas station where a clerk called 911. The suspect fled the scene.

Officers responded and obtained a DNA sample from the victim. which led investigators to Silverio's Thursday arrest. He is in custody on four felony counts, including attempted rape, assault to commit rape, kidnapping and false imprisonment.

Although Silverio was contracted with the ride-share company and was not on duty, police believe this was an isolated incident.

People who experienced a similar incident or have more information are encouraged to contact Det. Jose Velasquez at 650-363-4062 or by email at jvelasquez@smcgov.org. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 800-547-2700.