Carolina Reyes Pozada, the wife of an Uber driver who was assaulted on May 3 in North Carolina after disclosing his Cuban heritage to a passenger, has turned to the crowdfunding site GiveSendGo to ask for help. She has described the incident as "an attempted murder fueled by hate and racism," condemning it as "a brutal and unjustifiable act of violence" simply due to her husband's background.
"Fortunately, my husband survived, but the physical, emotional, and financial impacts are devastating. Since that day, he lives in fear and no longer feels safe returning to work. On top of that, I am facing health issues myself, with two hernias that make working difficult," she explained.
The family, which includes young children and lacks stable income, has seen their hard-earned life crumble unexpectedly. Through the GiveSendGo platform, Reyes Pozada aims to raise $10,000 to cover legal, medical, and essential living expenses. So far, they have only gathered $448.
"Now, more than ever, we need your solidarity. We want to fight for justice, ensure that this attacker faces legal consequences, and protect our family. But the legal and medical costs are overwhelming, and if my husband cannot continue working, our situation becomes untenable," Carolina stated.
She outlined the intended use of the donations:
- Cover legal fees to bring the attacker to justice.
- Pay for medical treatments and psychological support for her husband.
- Support their family while he recovers and they navigate this ordeal.
Her letter concludes with a message of pain, but also faith:
"We should not fear working to feed our family. We should not live in fear of being attacked by those who refuse to accept our heritage. Help us raise our voices against hate and care for our loved ones. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for reading our story, sharing it, and supporting us during this difficult time. May God multiply your generosity."
The Assault
On the night of May 3, Cuban Osvaldo Rivera McIntosh was working as an Uber driver in Charlotte, North Carolina. He picked up a passenger in the Providence Road area.
The passenger, seemingly intoxicated, began asking hostile questions about his background. Upon learning that Rivera was Cuban, the passenger became aggressive.
"He unbuckled my seatbelt and tried to strangle me with it," Rivera previously recounted to the press.
Footage from the car's camera shows the attacker wrapping the seatbelt around the driver's neck. He then attempted to choke Rivera with his hands while pushing with his feet from the back seat. A private patrol arrived just in time to prevent a greater tragedy. The assailant also tried to attack the officers.
The police are investigating the incident as a potential hate crime, but so far, the attacker has not been apprehended or identified. Uber has suspended his account, and the FBI is aware of the case.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Incident
What actions are being taken against the attacker?
The police are treating the incident as a possible hate crime. However, the attacker has not yet been detained or identified. Uber has suspended the attacker's account, and the FBI is aware of the case.
How is the public being asked to help the family?
The public is being asked to donate through GiveSendGo to support the family's legal, medical, and living expenses. They are also encouraged to share the family's story to raise awareness and gather support.
What is the current state of Osvaldo Rivera McIntosh?
Osvaldo Rivera McIntosh is dealing with severe physical and emotional consequences from the attack. He is unable to return to work due to fear and the repercussions of the incident.