$100K Bond For Uber Driver Accused Of Sexually Abusing Passenger

DUPAGE COUNTY, IL — Bond has been set for an Uber driver arrested Tuesday at his Palatine home who is accused of sexually abusing a woman when dropping her off from a ride back in May 2019, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael Ruth announced Wednesday, in a news release. Ghazwan Alani, 32, from the 1100 block of E. Nichols Road, faces three counts of felony criminal sexual abuse as a result of an investigation led by the Elmhurst Police Department, which included extensive forensic and DNA analysis, the news release said. Alani was at a bond hearing Wednesday morning, during which DuPage County Judge John Kinsella set his bond at $100,000 with 10 percent to apply, the state's attorney's office reported.

On May 19, 2019, the woman arranged for an Uber ride to bring her to a location in Elmhurst, and arrived via Uber at 1:19 a.m., the news release said. Alani is accused of getting out of the car, opening the rear driver's side door, and getting in the back of the car where he's also accused of sexually abusing the woman, according to the state's attorney's office. The woman escaped out of the rear passenger’s side door after kicking her attacker, the state's attorney's office said, adding that the woman then ran and went inside her destination.

The woman contacted the Elmhurst Police Department, who ultimately identified Alani, according to the news release. According to the news release, Berlin thanked the police department for their work, in addition to Assistant State’s Attorney Bridget Carlson for preparing a "strong" case against Alani.

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“The allegations against Mr. Alani are outrageous,” Berlin said, in the news release. “After a night out, the victim in this case protected herself and the motoring public by taking an Uber only to be allegedly sexually abused by her driver. While ride-sharing services are safe, there are simple precautions you can take to protect yourself. Be aware of your surroundings. If at all possible, try to travel with someone. If you must travel alone, share your ride details with others such as where you are coming from and when and where you will arrive."

Alani’s next court appearance for arraignment is scheduled for Sept. 24, according to the news release.