In a chilling incident that has repercussions for rideshare users and companies alike, a Lyft driver from Brockton has been arrested and charged with sexual assault in Somerville. Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Somerville Chief of Police Shumeane Benford confirmed that Luis Carlos Ramos Teixeira, age 27, faces charges of rape and indecent assault and battery on a person over fourteen, according to a report by the Middlesex DA's office.
The incident reportedly took place over the weekend, when Teixeira, operating as a Lyft driver, picked up an adult female passenger at a Boston location. The Somerville Police were alerted and responded to a local hospital where the victim had reported the assault. The victim told authorities, that after being brought home to Somerville, Teixeira allegedly moved to the back seat of the vehicle and sexually assaulted her.
Teixeira's apprehension was the result of collaborative efforts by Somerville Detectives, Massachusetts State Police, and Brockton Police. He was located and arrested in Brockton on Sunday, August 10, an event also confirmed by the Middlesex DA's office. Following the arrest, he was arraigned in the Somerville District Court where he has been ordered held without bail, pending a dangerousness hearing set for the end of the week.
