Toronto

Uber driver charged with sexual assault of young female passenger in Oakville

A Toronto man working as an Uber driver in Oakville has been charged with one count of sexual assault after allegedly assaulting a young female passenger.

Alleged incident took place in June; suspect arrested July 3

A 33-year-old man from Toronto is charged with sexual assault, after allegedly assaulting a female passenger in Oakville. (Seth Wenig/Associated Press)

A Toronto man working as an Uber driver in Oakville has been charged with one count of sexual assault after allegedly assaulting a young female passenger.

Det. Maureen Martin of Halton Regional Police said the passenger was under the age of 18.

The alleged incident took place in June and the 33-year-old was arrested on Monday, said a release by the child abuse and sexual assault unit. The man is also being charged with breach of probation.

It wasn't immediately clear what the probation breach was connected to.

In response to CBC Toronto's questions, Uber said it conducts a "pre-screening process and background check" on all drivers. It declined to answer how long the suspect had been driving for Uber, citing the ongoing investigation.

"What's been reported is not tolerated and has no place on the Uber app," said Uber spokesperson Kayla Whaling.

"We have permanently removed this driver's access to Uber and will provide any information to law enforcement that would be helpful for their active investigation."

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Halton police at 905-465-8977 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.