Police say a Riverside Uber driver was allegedly stabbed multiple times by a passenger over the weekend.
The attack happened around 8 a.m. Saturday, when Riverside police responded to the intersection of California Avenue and Adams Street after receiving reports of the incident.
Investigators said the driver, a man in his 60s, was picking up a fare when the passenger attacked him.
“It sounds like it just may have happened while they were stopped, and this was, from what we gather, completely unprovoked,” said Officer Ryan Railsback.
Police said the suspect, an unidentified 24-year-old Riverside man, tried to flee the area after the stabbing. Officers located him a short distance away and arrested him on suspicion of attempted murder. Investigators are still working to determine a motive.
The driver was rushed to the hospital in critical but stable condition with multiple stab wounds and lacerations, according to police.
While Uber does not publish data specific to attacks on drivers, the company’s most recent data on assault-related deaths shows violence has increased by 96%.
For nearby Riverside residents, the incident felt unsettling and close to home.
“It’s really heartwrenching and scary,” said Ethan Avileel. “Hearing that for an Uber driver, that’s pretty sad. He’s doing his job and he’s working and probably didn’t expect anything.”
An Uber spokesperson called the attack “absolutely terrifying” in a statement to CBS LA.
“Our thoughts are with him as he recovers from this senseless attack,” the statement said. “As soon as this incident was reported to us, we banned the rider from the platform. We have been in touch with the driver and stand ready to assist law enforcement with their investigation.”
Investigators said the suspect is expected to appear in court on Wednesday.
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