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Title: UberX driver accused of trying to break into Denver home is arrested
Source:
Denver Post
URL Source: http://www.denverpost.com/portal/ne ... cused-trying-break?_loopback=1
Published: Mar 31, 2015
Author: Jesse Paul and Electa Draper
Post Date: 2015-04-01 09:28:33 by cranky
Keywords: None
Views: 308
Gerald Montgomery The Tuesday arrest of an UberX driver accused of dropping off a fare at the airport last week — only to return to her Denver home and unsuccessfully attempt to break in — exposes some risks of riding with strangers. Devoted UberX patrons said they aren't daunted by isolated incidents. The company says it takes all sensible precautions. Denver police say they are unaware of any string of crimes perpetrated by UberX drivers or passengers. Yet as Uber, which connects people who need a ride with drivers available to accommodate them, has grown, so have reports of disturbing incidents. Gerald Montgomery, 51, was taken into custody in Golden on Tuesday on suspicion of attempted second-degree burglary, a felony, Denver police said. Police say the attempted break-in happened on Thursday at the passenger's home near the University of Denver. The warrant for Montgomery's arrest was issued Friday. According to a Denver police report, Montgomery tried to break into the home through a back door but was unsuccessful. He fled when someone inside noticed him, the report says. "That's my worst fear — letting people know where I live," said businesswoman Charity Huff, 40, who frequently uses the service at home in the Denver area and when traveling for work. "It has crossed my mind before, but this will make me think twice," she said. Huff said she's never feared for her personal safety, and has left her computer and other possessions in a hired car while she ran into a store for a quick purchase. Uber officials said they have spoken with Montgomery's passenger, refunded her ride and let her know that Montgomery, who operated on the UberX platform, has been deactivated. UberX drivers operate their own vehicles and are not subject to the same license requirements as taxi or livery drivers. "We have been in contact with the Denver (Police Department) and have shared information to assist in their investigation," the company said. Montgomery passed full criminal and driving history background checks before becoming an Uber driver, including a three-step screening that includes county, federal and multi-state checks, Uber said. Montgomery has no criminal history in Colorado, according to Colorado Bureau of Investigation records. Uber managers say all driver partners undergo rigorous background checks. Yet an investigation last year by NBCLA.com found several "screened" Uber drivers had long-time felony records, and they found incidents of robberies by Uber drivers, who are considered independent contractors, not Uber employees. In Chicago, an Uber driver was charged with criminal sexual assault in December. A Boston Uber driver was charged with raping and kidnapping a woman that same month. Montgomery is being held at the Jefferson County jail in lieu of $10,000 bond, jail records show. He was arrested by police in Golden at a recreational vehicle lot and taken into custody without incident. Jail records say he is due in court on Friday in Denver for a first appearance. "Upon learning about this incident from our valued rider, we immediately deactivated the driver's access to the platform, pending a full investigation," Taylor Patterson, an Uber spokesperson, said in a statement. "We remain committed to supporting the Denver law enforcement in any way we can." Uber officials say the company has a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy, and they continuously check driving records. The cars must meet strict safety standards. For would-be passengers, Uber says every part of the ride is covered by commercial insurance. When rides are requested, the photo, license plate number, car make and model and location of the Uber driver are available through an app. Riders are asked to share their travel plans, including estimated times of arrivals and real-time routes, with friends or families. Riders are asked to rate their drivers and provide immediate feedback. The driver will do the same about the passenger. Huff said she likely will be more diligent in checking drivers' ratings, and she might steer clear of new drivers without track records she can check.
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