NORWOOD, MASS. (WHDH) - An Uber driver was in court Thursday, where he was charged with indecently assaulting a female passenger over the weekend.
Police said Junior Clarke, 31, picked up the 25-year-old woman in Methuen early Saturday morning to give her a ride to Norwood. The woman allegedly asked Clarke where to sit because it was her first time using Uber. Police said Clarke told her to sit in the front seat next to him.
Court documents said during the ride, Clarke made sexual advances to the woman. According to court documents, the woman then texted a friend saying Clarke was flirting with her and touching her and told her to kiss him despite her telling him “no” several times.
After Clarke dropped the woman off in Norwood, police said they were able to track him down. Clarke was arrested and charged with indecent assault and battery and accosting and annoying a person of the opposite sex.
Clarke, who has no previous criminal record, denied the charges. He was released on $500 bail and was ordered to stay away from the victim. He has also been banned from working for Uber or any other transportation service.
Statement from Uber:
“No person should have to go through what’s been described. We’ve been in contact with the rider to offer our support and are working with State Police to aid their investigation. The driver has been banned from the platform.”