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A Kentucky Lyft driver accused of sexually assaulting a female passenger during a trip to a doctor's appointment is now also the subject of a U.S. immigration detainer, according to local police records.
Yordan Diaz Vera, 34, of Louisville, is charged with first-degree sodomy, menacing and kidnapping, according to Louisville Metropolitan Police Department (LMPD) records obtained by Fox News Digital.
He also has a U.S. immigration detainer, indicating that federal authorities believe he is subject to deportation.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) did not immediately confirm to Fox News Digital whether Díaz Vera was in the country illegally.
Yordan Diaz Vera, 34, of Louisville, is charged with first-degree sodomy, menacing and kidnapping. (Louisville Metropolitan Police Department)
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The victim told authorities that on February 4, her doctor's office arranged a Lyft ride to take her from her home to an appointment.
After picking up the victim, Diaz Vera allegedly opened the car's glove compartment and revealed a gun, according to an incident report.
Police said he then stopped, got out of the car and got into the back seat with the victim.
He tried to escape, but was unable to open the door because it was locked, according to the report.
Lyft said Díaz Vera was removed from the platform. (iStock)
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Once Díaz Vera was in the back seat with the victim, he forced her to perform sexual acts, according to authorities.
The victim said once she was dropped off at the doctor's office, she was able to call the police.
LMPD officials told Fox News Digital that there is “currently” no evidence to indicate the incident was part of a pattern of related incidents.
Lyft said it is working with authorities regarding the case. (Serene Lee/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
“The subject was quickly apprehended due to quick reporting and timely investigative actions by the LMPD SVU Sexual and Physical Investigations Bureau,” LMPD wrote in a statement. “We hope that timely investigations and successful prosecutions like this will allow victims (past, present and future) to come forward and communicate with authorities.”
A Lyft spokesperson told Fox News Digital that Díaz Vera was permanently removed from the Lyft platform and that the company is assisting authorities with the investigation.
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“The behavior described is reprehensible and has no place in the Lyft community or society,” the spokesperson wrote in a statement.
All Lyft drivers must meet certain requirements to drive on the platform, including possessing a valid Social Security number and a driver's license.
