Carl Allen, a man with a lengthy criminal history, is wanted by Memphis police after allegedly posing as an Uber driver while committing stalking and sexual assault. His case raises significant concerns about the risks posed by rideshare services, particularly in light of his ability to use a platform like Uber to prey on vulnerable individuals. Allen is listed on the Florida sex offender registry and has been evading police for months, using multiple aliases to hide his identity.
Impersonating an Uber Driver
In October 2024, Allen was involved in a parking dispute with another individual, during which he claimed to be an Uber driver waiting for a customer. According to the other person involved, Allen confirmed this claim, and he was seen driving someone in his vehicle at the time. However, in the months following this interaction, Allen was seen multiple times in the area, lurking outside windows and engaging in a disturbing sexual act, prompting multiple women to report his behavior to the authorities.
The fact that Allen was able to impersonate an Uber driver during the parking dispute underscores the potential danger rideshare passengers face when drivers are not properly vetted or regulated. His ability to take advantage of this platform highlights the vulnerabilities in the system, where individuals with criminal backgrounds can easily pose as legitimate drivers.
Implications for Rideshare Safety and Lack of Regulation
Allen’s case is not just a story of stalking and sexual assault; it’s a troubling reminder of the risks associated with rideshare services. While platforms like Uber and Lyft are widely used for convenience, incidents like this underscore the importance of ensuring proper background checks, ongoing driver monitoring, and stricter regulations to protect passengers from predators. The lack of sufficient regulation leaves the door open for individuals like Allen to manipulate their way into unsuspecting passengers’ lives.
Uber’s current background checks focus primarily on criminal records, but as this case shows, they do not always catch individuals who can exploit the system, particularly when they are posing as legitimate drivers. The fact that Allen could use Uber to facilitate his predatory behavior demonstrates a need for enhanced safety features and more rigorous protocols to ensure the safety of passengers, particularly women.
As the search for Allen continues, law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH.
Seeking Justice and Support for Victims
If you or someone you know has been affected by stalking, harassment, or sexual assault—whether in a rideshare vehicle or elsewhere—support is available. At Helping Survivors, we are dedicated to providing survivors with the legal resources and emotional support they need to seek justice.
Contact Helping Survivors today for guidance, support, and assistance in your legal journey.
