A Florida Uber driver who was arrested last Wednesday for allegedly groping a female passenger's breasts told police the victim was "asking" for it because of the way she was dressed.
Ramy Botros, 28, picked up a 25-year-old female passenger for a ride to her boyfriend's house in Orlando. But instead of driving to the destination, Botros began driving around aimlessly and commented on how attractive his passenger was, according to a police report obtained by The Smoking Gun.
The victim told police that Botros eventually stopped the car and placed his hand down the front of her shirt. He then "touched her breasts in an aggressive manner," police wrote in the report, noting the victim wasn't wearing a bra.
"Do not touch my boobs or I'll hit you in the face," the woman reportedly told the Uber driver.
Though she was afraid, she calmed down and acted as if everything was fine. She reached her destination, asked for Botros' businesses card and called Orlando police.
The victim was able to record part of the alleged assault with her phone. She later told investigators she pretended as if everything was fine because she did not want to upset the driver, WFTV reported.
Botros came in for an interview with police after the victim picked him out of a photo lineup. He described to investigators the woman's outfit, a "shirt with no bra."
"In Egypt, if a girl like her dresses like this, it means she's asking for it," Botros told police, WFTV reported.
Police told the Uber driver that such things are not accepted in America, said Orlando Police Department Sergeant Lovetta Quinn-Henry.
"Unfortunately, the Uber driver took advantage of it because he felt it necessary to put his hand down her shirt," Quinn-Henry told the station.
The Egyptian native was arrested and charged with battery. He was released Thursday from the county jail after posting $500 bond.
Uber, which has faced previous situations with allegedly rogue drivers, has since suspended Botros' account.
"Rider safety is Uber's No. 1 priority," the ride-sharing company said in a statement. "We take reports like this seriously and are treating the matter with utmost urgency and care."
