Watch CBS News

2 East Lansing Uber Drivers Accused Of Sexually Touching Passengers

EAST LANSING (WWJ) - Two East Lansing Uber drivers have been arrested on charges of criminal sexual conduct.

East Lansing Police Lt. Scott Wrigglesworth says Hassan Ibrahim and Salim Salem are accused of inappropriately touching female passengers in their cars in separate cases: one in January and one on Valentine's Day.

Wrigglesworth declined to go into specifics details.

"At least, with the East Lansing police, we don't go into much detail as to the alleged assault and the specifics of the assault — especially when it's of a sexual nature," he said.

The two incidents in this case are unrelated, Wrigglesworth said.

Both suspects were arraigned on Friday on charges of fourth degree criminal sexual conduct and are free on $5,000 bonds.  In Salem's case, a judge ordered him to stop driving for Uber or any other ride service, pending trial.

WWJ's Sandra McNeill asked Wrigglesworth if detectives believe sex crimes in Uber cars are common.

"I'd have to check with our detective bureau to see if we've ever investigated any other ride share drivers, as far as criminal sexual conduct," he said. "But I know in my time in the detective bureau we have investigated taxi cab drivers in the past."

The ride-hailing company Uber has been notified of both arrests. It is unknown what action, if any, the company has taken.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.