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ABC News Channel 8 KTUL posted a disturbing interview on its website Friday of a survivor’s account of Uber driver sexual assault.
A Tulsa woman says a late-night Uber ride in early September turned into a terrifying ordeal when her driver allegedly sexually assaulted her in front of her five-year-old son.
“I’m shaking even talking to you right now,” said Nina, who spoke to reporters with her back to the camera to protect her identity. She says the assault occurred on September 5 after an Uber picked her up from her sister’s home near Archer and Garnett.
At first, she said, the ride seemed ordinary. The driver made a stop at a liquor store near 41st and 129th, where she briefly got out to make a purchase. But shortly after returning to the car, she said, the driver turned onto a neighborhood street near her home and attacked her while her son was in the back seat.
“He immediately grabbed me,” Nina said. “I thought the whole time he might kill me. That’s all I kept saying: ‘If you’re going to hurt me, just drop my son off at the end of the block. Do not let him see this.’”
After escaping with her child, Nina said she ran home and called the police the next morning.
“I had the detectives come out, and I did a forensic exam so they could identify this man,” she said. This included both a rape kit, which collects physical evidence of an assault, and a SANE kit, administered by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner trained to provide trauma-informed medical and forensic care.
The Tulsa Police Department confirmed that the case is under active investigation. “The investigation is still in its preliminary stages and we are unable to provide any details yet,” a spokesperson said.
Nina also reported the incident to Uber, which issued a statement saying, “No one should ever experience what’s been described. We take reports of this nature extremely seriously and removed the driver’s access to the app as soon as this was reported to us. Our dedicated team has been supporting law enforcement with their ongoing investigation.”
However, Nina said she’s frustrated with the pace of Uber’s response. “They said it would take seven to ten days to investigate, but now it’s been almost a month and I still haven’t heard back,” she said.
Since the assault, Nina says her life has been upended. She’s afraid to leave her home, has withdrawn from school, and has experienced stress-related seizures. Her son continues to have nightmares about that night.
When asked why she decided to speak publicly, Nina said she wanted to empower her son and other survivors. “My son’s been scared and having nightmares, so I’m letting him know he doesn’t have to be scared anymore,” she said.
For Nina, speaking out is a way to reclaim her voice and to warn others. “That was the worst night of my life. I thought I was going to die,” she said.
Meanwhile, thousands of survivors nationwide have come forward in lawsuits against Uber, alleging that the company failed to screen or monitor drivers adequately. In 2024, attorneys filed multidistrict litigation representing survivors who say Uber ignored warnings and allowed drivers with prior complaints to continue operating. Plaintiffs are calling for systemic reforms, including stronger driver background checks, real-time tracking verification, and independent reporting options for victims.
More than 3,000 federal lawsuits are pending, with the first trial scheduled for early 2026. A similar but separate litigation in California state court involving more than 500 lawsuits is also moving forward, with the first bellwether trial finding Uber negligent but not responsible for a survivor’s sexual assault allegedly perpetrated by an Uber driver.
Are You A Survivor Of Uber Sexual Assault?
If you or someone you know was sexually assaulted by an Uber driver, you are not alone. Survivors across the country are speaking out and seeking justice. Learn your rights and explore your legal options by visiting our Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuits page. You can also see if you may qualify for a lawsuit and compensation by filling out the confidential, secure form below.
