A 34-year-old Uber driver has been arrested after allegedly assaulting a passenger during a ride to the Huntsman Mental Health Institute in Salt Lake City. According to investigators, the driver, identified as Julio Arroyo Mendoza, was taken into custody on suspicion of rape, classified under Utah law as a first-degree felony.
The case is being handled by the University of Utah Police Department, whose detective reported being assigned to the investigation earlier this week. According to the arrest affidavit, the incident occurred while Mendoza was transporting a 22-year-old passenger who had booked a ride to the mental health institute.
Investigators say the driver allegedly stopped the vehicle during the trip, moved into the back seat, expressed romantic statements toward the passenger, and then assaulted her. The passenger told police she was able to exit the vehicle during the incident. She later contacted a friend, who drove her to the Huntsman Mental Health Institute, where she reported the assault to authorities.
The affidavit also notes that the arresting officer requested Mendoza be held without bail. According to the document, Mendoza indicated intentions to return to Peru, raising concerns of possible flight risk.
Mendoza was subsequently booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail. Additional updates are expected as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system.
For reference, information about felony classifications can be found through the Utah Courts, and details on sexual assault support services are available from the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN).
