A newly surfaced video has revealed an extended version of the assault experienced by Osvaldo Rivera McIntosh, an Uber driver who was attacked in Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 3rd after disclosing to his passenger that he was Cuban. The perpetrator, identified as Sean Smith, was arrested on May 19th, as reported by Univision. Smith now faces multiple charges, including assault by strangulation and four counts of assault.
The expanded footage confirms what Rivera McIntosh has reiterated in a recent interview with Progreso Hispano News, a Charlotte-based media outlet, that he was assaulted on two separate occasions by the individual. Rivera recounted that upon arriving at the pickup location, he had to wait a few minutes as his passenger was engaged in conversation with someone.
Rivera noticed that the man appeared intoxicated once he entered the vehicle, but he never anticipated what would unfold. As seen in earlier footage, the driver and passenger exchanged greetings; when asked his name, Rivera replied "Osvaldo." The passenger repeated the name with difficulty and then inquired about his nationality. Upon learning he was from "Cuba," and hearing Rivera's reason for being in the U.S. was to seek "better opportunities," the situation escalated.
Just five minutes away from their destination, the passenger attempted to strangle Rivera with the seatbelt. After a brief calm, the assault resumed, with the passenger pulling on Rivera's shirt as the Cuban shouted for help. Fortunately, a nearby security vehicle intervened.
"Horrible, horrible, very fast, but very strong," Rivera described the ordeal to the media outlet. He also expressed dissatisfaction and disappointment with the authorities' response to the incident.
"I had to visit the police multiple times. They never provided a report, a name, or a clear answer. No officer has reached out to inform me of anything," Rivera complained. "I feel completely abandoned, which I never expected as an honest worker who pays taxes. This shouldn't happen just because I'm Latino," he concluded.
Recently, Carolina Reyes Pozada, Rivera's wife, initiated a fundraising campaign on GiveSendGo, aiming to collect $10,000 to cover legal, medical, and basic living expenses. "Thankfully, my husband survived, but the physical, emotional, and financial repercussions are devastating. Since that day, he lives in fear and no longer feels safe to return to work," she explained.
FAQs about the Assault on Cuban Uber Driver
What charges does the assailant face?
Sean Smith is facing multiple charges, including assault by strangulation and four counts of assault.
How did the incident affect Osvaldo Rivera McIntosh?
The incident left Rivera with physical, emotional, and financial consequences, causing him to live in fear and feel unsafe returning to work.
What actions have Rivera's family taken for support?
Rivera's wife, Carolina Reyes Pozada, launched a fundraising campaign on GiveSendGo to raise $10,000 for legal, medical, and living expenses.