An unsettling event unfolded on May 3rd in Charlotte, North Carolina, involving a young Cuban Uber driver who fell victim to a racially charged assault while on the job. The driver, Osvaldo Rivera, recounted his ordeal to local station WSOC Channel 9, revealing that the incident began when he picked up a passenger around 10:30 pm in the Providence Road area of the city.
"As soon as he got into the car, it was clear he was intoxicated," Rivera explained. "I could tell he was drunk." The passenger then started interrogating Rivera about his origins and his reasons for being in the United States. "That took me aback, as nobody usually asks me that," Rivera noted.
Unexpectedly, the situation escalated when the passenger turned hostile, hurling racist expletives and physically assaulting Rivera. The entire encounter was captured on the vehicle's installed camera.
Violent Encounter and Immediate Intervention
Rivera recounted the terrifying moment: "He unbuckled my seatbelt and tried to strangle me with it." The attacker attempted to choke Rivera using both hands, leveraging his legs against the seat for force. "He was pulling back with his feet behind my seat, pulling hard for about a minute," Rivera detailed. The attacker even uttered a chilling phrase: "That's it, boy. Go to sleep."
Fortunately, a nearby private security patrol intervened, preventing further harm. However, the assailant also tried to attack the security personnel. "He attacked me because I said I'm from Cuba. He heard my accent and then attacked," Rivera emphasized.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Response
As of now, the attacker has not been apprehended or publicly identified, according to Channel 9. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has confirmed an ongoing investigation but has not released additional statements. Meanwhile, Uber has suspended the user from their service, and the FBI is collaborating with local authorities on the case.
Having worked as a driver for two years, Rivera is calling for justice to prevent similar traumatic experiences for other immigrant workers. Security expert Ross Bulla advised Uber drivers to take extra precautions, such as installing cameras, using plexiglass dividers, and maintaining a safe distance when sensing danger. "If I were the Uber driver, I would have stopped immediately, exited the vehicle, and called 911," Bulla advised.
Understanding Racially Motivated Attacks on Drivers
What should Uber drivers do if they feel threatened by a passenger?
Uber drivers should prioritize their safety by stopping the vehicle, exiting, and contacting authorities immediately if they feel threatened.
How does Uber ensure the safety of its drivers?
Uber provides safety features within its app, encourages the installation of dashboard cameras, and has policies in place to suspend users who pose threats to drivers.
How can drivers protect themselves from racially motivated attacks?
Drivers can protect themselves by installing protective barriers, using surveillance cameras, and maintaining a protocol for emergency situations, such as quickly exiting the vehicle and calling for assistance.