Woman jumps from suspected fake Uber at Kent red light, police say

A 25-year-old passenger leaped from a vehicle at a red light in Kent and ran as the driver sped away, believing she had entered a fake Uber. The car traveled from Seattle’s Pioneer Square neighborhood to Kent before the passenger became suspicious.

Before beginning the ride, the woman asked the driver if the vehicle was for her. The driver said it was, but the woman did not verify the license plate or driver’s name, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) reported.

Shortly after, she saw the driver pass her exit and received a notification that her Uber ride was canceled. She also noted the driver was not following Google Maps directions and was not using the Uber app.

In her report to the SPD, she described the car as a white four-door sedan and identified the driver as a Black male, between 30 and 50 years old.

Authorities looked for possible footage of the incident, but SPD cameras in that area were not functional. SPD is asking the public for help identifying the suspect and vehicle. Information can be received at (206) 233-5000.

SPD’s eight-part checklist when using rideshare services

1. Wait for your ride in a safe, well-lit location and try to ride with a friend
2. Always verify the driver’s name and license plate
3. Have the driver confirm who they are picking up
4. Sit in the backseat and check the locks
5. Share your ride details with a friend
6. Know where you’re going and look out for windows
7. Trust your instincts
8. Call or text 911 if you feel in danger