On Aug. 6, 2025, a now-former Uber driver in Texas was arrested and charged with aggravated kidnapping and sexual assault. This is only the latest incident in a series of high-profile rideshare sexual assault cases that highlight continued concerns about passenger safety.
A Disturbing Rideshare Incident
On June 28, the victim ordered an Uber ride from Buckshot’s Saloon in Galveston, Texas, to her home in Friendswood. The driver, Sameh Chami, picked her up and began the journey.
The passenger, who had been drinking, later told police she fell in and out of sleep during the trip. She shared her trip’s progress with her family through the Uber app, and they were expecting her to arrive home as scheduled. However, after receiving a notification that the trip had ended, her family grew concerned when she did not arrive at the door.
Victim's Family Tracks Her Location to an Empty Lot
Using a separate app to track her location, the family was led to an empty parking lot, where they found their loved one in the front seat of Chami’s Uber. When questioned, Chami reportedly told the family that the victim had “fallen asleep.”
However, security footage from the parking lot told a different story. The footage revealed Chami entering the backseat of the Uber with the victim and engaging with her for over a minute before both returned to the front seats. The victim later told police that she did not remember much from the incident but recalled Chami inappropriately touching her while she was intoxicated and falling in and out of sleep.
Sexual Assault Allegations and Police Investigation
Friendswood police launched an investigation, and detectives discovered that Chami had intentionally ended the Uber ride before reaching the woman’s destination in Friendswood. He is now facing charges for aggravated kidnapping, and the victim is suing him for sexual assault.
Her family, already devastated by the violation, now seeks justice both through the criminal justice system and a civil lawsuit. The case highlights the vulnerability that rideshare passengers face, particularly when they are under the influence and unable to protect themselves from predators.
Are You A Rideshare Assault Survivor? We Can Help
As rideshare services like Uber become an integral part of our daily lives, it is crucial that companies ensure the safety of their passengers. For survivors of sexual violence, incidents like this can have long-lasting effects, emotionally and physically.
At Helping Survivors, we are committed to standing by individuals who have been impacted by abuse, whether it occurs in rideshare vehicles or elsewhere. We provide a wide range of resources, including legal assistance, to ensure survivors get the justice and support they deserve.
Contact Helping Survivors today for assistance in understanding your rights, navigating legal processes, and finding the healing and support you deserve.
