Abdifatah Muktar, age 23, and 22-year-old Berhan Hiabu were arrested on multiple felony charges related to posing as ride-share service drivers, according to Tucson Police.
The two men allegedly posed as ride-share service drivers and attempted to sexually assault women. Tucson Police are actively investigating two incidents involving the men.
In the first incident, an adult female used a ride-share service for transportation to her residence. Muktar responded and drove the female home. Once at her residence, Muktar claimed the female made a mess inside the vehicle and demanded payment or be banned from the service. The female offered to have the vehicle cleaned. At the car wash, the female did not locate a mess and requested a ride back home. Muktar declined but offered a different ride-share service driver to respond. Muktar did not use the service and called Hiabu. Hiabu drove the victim to a secluded area and attempted to sexually assault her. She was able to escape and called 911.
In the second incident, an adult female requested a ride-share service for transportation to her residence. Hiabu observed the female waiting by the side of the road. He advised he worked for a ride-share service and offered her a free ride home. The female canceled her ride and entered Hiabu’s vehicle. He then transported her to a secluded area and attempted to sexually assault her. She was able to escape and called 911.
On Thursday night, and Friday afternoon, detectives learned the locations of Muktar and Hiabu and were able to take them into custody without incident.
Muktar was charged with Kidnapping, Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping, and Conspiracy to Commit Sexual Assault. Hiabu was charged with Kidnapping, Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping, 2 counts of Attempted Sexual Assault, and Conspiracy to Commit Sexual Assault. They were transported and booked into the Pima County Jail. Their booking photographs have been provided.
This investigation is on-going and detectives are asking anyone with information to call 911 or 88-Crime.