Crime & Emergencies

Cary Lyft Driver Charged with Kidnapping, Sexual Battery of Passenger

James Whitfield
James Whitfield
RALEIGH, NC·

RALEIGH — A Cary Lyft driver was arrested and charged with kidnapping and sexual battery after allegedly assaulting a passenger during a ride, according to Cary police.

Ryan James Davey was taken into custody following an investigation into the incident, police officials said. The charges stem from an alleged assault that occurred while Davey was providing ride-share services through the Lyft platform.

Cary Police Department investigators worked to gather evidence and interview witnesses before making the arrest. The department has not released additional details about the specific circumstances of the alleged assault or when it occurred.

Investigation and Arrest

Police began their investigation after receiving a report about the incident. Officers conducted interviews and collected evidence as part of their standard protocol for assault cases involving ride-share services.

Davey faces charges of kidnapping and sexual battery, both serious felonies under North Carolina law. The Wake County District Attorney’s Office will handle prosecution of the case.

The investigation involved multiple detectives working to build the case against Davey. Police have not indicated whether there may be additional victims or if they are seeking information from the public.

Ride-Share Safety Concerns

The incident raises ongoing safety concerns surrounding ride-share services in the Triangle area. Police departments across the region regularly advise passengers to verify driver identity and vehicle information before entering ride-share vehicles.

Lyft has policies in place requiring background checks for drivers and providing safety features within their mobile application. The company typically cooperates with law enforcement investigations involving their drivers, according to previous statements.

Cary police continue to investigate the case and have not ruled out additional charges. The department encourages anyone with information about this incident or similar experiences to contact investigators.

Davey’s court date and bond information were not immediately available. The case will proceed through the Wake County court system as the investigation continues.

Sources: ABC11 Raleigh-Durham