North Texas Uber Health Driver Charged with Assaulting 12-Year-Old Passenger

An Uber Health driver in North Texas was recently arrested and charged with assaulting a 12-year-old passenger. This disturbing incident highlights the ongoing concerns about passenger safety in ride-sharing apps and raises questions about the effectiveness of current security measures. As the details of this incident unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with using Uber and other ride-hailing services, particularly for vulnerable individuals.

Details of the Alleged Uber Sexual Assault Incident

The Uber driver involved in this disturbing incident has been identified as Robert Johnson III, a 31-year-old man from Garland, Texas. Johnson was working as a driver for Uber Health, a rideshare service specifically designed for unaccompanied minors. This service is meant to have more highly vetted drivers to transport children to medical appointments and to pick up prescriptions.

On July 9, 2024, around 2 p.m., Johnson responded to a ride request in Frisco, Texas, and picked up a 12-year-old girl from a medical facility. The ride was supposed to take approximately 26 minutes but instead lasted 37 minutes. According to the affidavit, Johnson deviated from the intended route and pulled over in the 4200 block of Legacy Drive in Plano, where he allegedly sexually assaulted the child.

Driver Charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child

Following an investigation by the Plano Police Department’s Special Victims Unit, Robert Johnson III was taken into custody on July 15, and charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child. The investigation was initiated when the child’s mother alerted authorities about her daughter’s unusual behavior upon returning home that day. According to court documents, Johnson allegedly ejaculated on the child’s face and threatened her, saying, “Don’t tell nobody, or there will be issues.”

Five days after being held at the Collin County Jail in McKinney, Texas, Johnson was released on a $200,000 bond. Court records indicate that the bond comes with conditions, although the specific terms were not immediately clear. 

Uber Condemns Driver’s “Monstrous” Behavior

In response to the alleged sexual assault incident, an Uber spokesperson released a statement condemning the driver’s actions. The company emphasized that such “monstrous behavior has no place in our society or on the Uber platform.” Uber assured the public that they take reports of this nature very seriously and have been in touch with the Plano Police Department regarding their investigation. The driver has been permanently banned from using the platform. 

Most Robust Safety Measures Needed

The grievous incident involving the North Texas Uber Health driver sheds light on the ongoing challenges in ensuring passenger safety within ride-sharing services. It underscores the need for stricter vetting processes and more robust safety measures, especially when it comes to protecting vulnerable passengers like minors. 

While ride-sharing companies like Uber have implemented various measures to ensure passenger safety, this latest Uber sexual assault incident serves as a stark reminder that there is more to be done to protect users. It calls for a collective effort from ride-sharing platforms, law enforcement, and the public to create a safer environment for all passengers.