Authorities are seeking public assistance following the arrest of a rideshare driver accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old passenger during a trip in February. The Bellevue Police Department has announced that Martin Njoki, aged 43, was apprehended last week and faces charges of unlawful imprisonment and indecent liberties. Investigators suspect there may be more victims and urge anyone with pertinent information to come forward.
The incident reportedly took place at approximately 4:45 a.m. on February 17. Police officers responded to a call about a potential sexual assault in the 12100 block of SE 44th Place. According to the victim, a 16-year-old girl, she had used a rideshare service to return home that morning. During the journey, the driver, later identified as Njoki, allegedly convinced her to sit in the front passenger seat. Although the driver completed most of the trip, he reportedly stopped a few blocks shy of her destination and made unwanted sexual advances, hindering her from leaving the vehicle.
Despite these actions, the teen was able to escape and safely return home, where she contacted the authorities. Following the investigation, Njoki was charged with one count of unlawful imprisonment and one count of indecent liberties. The police department is now working to determine if additional individuals may have encountered similar conduct.
Statistics from HelpingSurvivors.org indicate that the ridesharing platform Uber recorded approximately 2,717 sexual assault incidents between 2021 and 2022. In light of this, riders are advised to take precautions to ensure their safety during trips.
At the time of the alleged assault, Njoki was driving a Mitsubishi with Washington license plate number CBM2456. Police urge anyone who might have experienced unwanted advances from Njoki during a rideshare trip to contact 911 or reach out to the department’s non-emergency line at 425-577-5656. This appeal extends to friends or family members who may possess relevant information. The investigation is still active, and bail has been set at $150,000.
The Bottom Line
This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns within the rideshare industry, urging individuals to remain vigilant. The case serves as a reminder for passengers to prioritize personal safety, such as sharing trip details with trusted contacts and verifying driver information before getting into a vehicle. Enhanced awareness and precautionary measures can help mitigate risks associated with ridesharing services.
From a community perspective, the situation underscores the importance of reporting suspicious behavior to authorities promptly. Community members can play a crucial role in supporting law enforcement efforts to address such incidents, thereby contributing to a safer environment for everyone. The ongoing investigation in Bellevue reflects a broader societal need to ensure that ridesharing platforms implement robust measures to protect passengers and foster trust within the service.