Uber Driver Arrested for Sexual Battery in Miami

A Miami Uber driver accused of sexually assaulting a passenger was arrested on Monday, according to police. Yaroslandys Elozegui Romero, 35, faces charges of sexual battery, battery touch/strike, and indecent exposure.

During his court appearance, a judge set Romero’s bond at $29,000, calling the allegations “extremely troubling” and barring him from working as a rideshare driver or contacting the victim.

The incident occurred Sunday on Westbound State Road 836. The victim told police that a friend ordered her an Uber after her phone died. Romero, identified through the Uber app, picked her up, and when she asked for a charger, he told her to sit in the front seat. Once she moved, he began touching her and asking for a kiss. When she refused, he stopped the car, forcefully kissed her, and sexually assaulted her.

Following the attack, Romero dropped the victim off at her requested destination. The investigation led police to Romero’s residence, where he admitted to the encounter but claimed the victim initiated contact. However, officers noted she did not appear intoxicated, contradicting Romero’s claim.

Romero was taken into custody and transported to the Turner Knight Guildford Corrections Center. Uber has since removed his access to the platform and stated, “What this rider experienced is nothing short of a nightmare. We take the safety of the Uber community seriously and stand ready to support law enforcement.”