A St. Louis Uber driver is behind bars without bond after prosecutors charged him with first-degree rape and accused him of sexually assaulting a passenger at her Dutchtown home. Authorities identified the suspect as 42-year-old Tadeo Hakiza and say the alleged attack took place on Feb. 11. Hakiza is scheduled to appear in court Thursday, March 26.
How Police Say It Unfolded
Investigators told reporters the woman had called an Uber for a trip to Chesterfield and had been drinking both before and during the ride, and that Hakiza later offered to drive her home at no charge, according to FOX2. Police say officers who responded to a Tennessee Avenue address in Dutchtown found the front door standing wide open and heard a woman screaming inside. The victim told detectives she woke up on her couch with her pants and shoes off and that Hakiza was having intercourse with her. Investigators also determined that Hakiza was the registered owner of the vehicle used for the trip, the station reported.
Charges And Legal Exposure
Hakiza has been charged by the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office with first-degree rape, a felony that carries some of the toughest penalties under Missouri law. State statute defines first-degree rape to include sexual intercourse with a person who is incapacitated or otherwise unable to consent, and it can carry a sentence ranging from five years to life in prison depending on the circumstances, per the Missouri Revised Statutes. Prosecutors are expected to review the full investigation and any forensic evidence as the case moves through the courts.
Rideshare Safety In Context
The arrest lands at a time when rideshare safety and driver screening are under a national microscope. A recent probe that drew widespread attention reported that Uber logged roughly 400,000 reports of sexual assault or misconduct in the United States between 2017 and 2022, a revelation that has fueled lawsuits and congressional scrutiny and was summarized by Yahoo News. Uber has also previously released biannual safety reports detailing thousands of incidents going back to 2017-2018, reports that outlets such as CNBC have used to frame the broader debate over how safe these platforms really are.
Where Survivors Can Turn
Anyone affected by sexual violence in the St. Louis area can contact local police or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE for confidential support and referrals. Online chat and additional resources are available through RAINN. The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office and city victim‑witness services can also connect survivors with information about forensic exams, counseling and legal advocacy.
