Uber driver accused of sexually assaulting woman picked up from Mar Vista

MAR VISTA, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- An off-duty Uber driver is accused of sexually assaulting a woman during her ride from the Mar Vista neighborhood of Los Angeles before dropping her off, Los Angeles police said.

Early Sunday morning, a woman in her 20s had a friend request an Uber for her. During the call, the Uber driver told her to stand at Palms Boulevard and Beethoven Street.

Another Uber driver who was not working at the time pulled up and offered her a ride, which she accepted. The male driver then allegedly sexually assaulted her and dropped her off.

"He said, 'I'm actually not working as an Uber driver right now, but I am an Uber driver,'" said LAPD Det. Kimberly Porter. "She got in the front seat. He then took her to a location where he did sexually assault her."

Authorities have identified the suspect, who is cooperating. No arrests have been made.

Uber, which operates via an app on your cell phone, confirms the man is a driver with the company but says he was not working Saturday.

"Our thoughts are with the victim of this terrible incident. We immediately reached out to LAPD and are working closely with them to provide any assistance we can. The driver in question has been removed from the platform while we gather the facts," said Eva Behrend, a spokesman for Uber.

Uber reminds customers they have protocols in place to help ensure their safety and to make sure they are getting the right Uber driver, including sending a picture of the driver and license plate number of the car. The company and police also encourage riders to share their route and estimated arrival time.

Investigators say the victim in this case did not have a cell phone with her.