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American College Students Detained in Copenhagen Following Uber Dispute
Two American college students on spring break have been arrested in Copenhagen and subsequently detained in a Danish prison for two weeks after an alleged altercation with an Uber driver. The incident has led to assault charges, according to Danish police.
Students’ Passports Confiscated, Forced to Remain in Denmark
Owen Ray, 19, a Miami University (Ohio) student, and a friend, whose name has not been released, have had their passports confiscated and are required to stay in Denmark, according to Ray’s family.
The incident occurred in March during their visit to Copenhagen. The students reportedly entered an incorrect destination address on the Uber application, according to their family and legal representative.
Alleged Disagreement Leads to Arrest
Reports indicate that a disagreement arose when the Uber driver allegedly refused to drive to the intended, updated destination. The students then exited the vehicle. They claim the driver issued threats and physically assaulted Ray.
According to Erin Pelton, a spokesperson for Ray’s family, “A physical confrontation ensued, leading the students to flee out of apprehension. This entire sequence of events was recorded by the Uber vehicle’s dashcam, which is now evidence in the ongoing legal proceedings in Denmark.”
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Detention and Charges Confirmed by Danish Authorities
The two students were apprehended at Copenhagen Airport the following day as they attempted to return to the United States, Pelton stated. Danish police verified that two U.S. citizens have been formally charged with common assault.
A Copenhagen police spokesperson stated to news outlets, “Copenhagen Police can confirm the arrest of two American citizens in Copenhagen on March 31. They were presented before the court and charged with common assault on the same day.”
“They were initially given a 10-day pre-trial detention, which has since been extended until April 24.”
Student Released from Prison, Travel Restrictions Remain
Ray has been released from Danish prison; however, authorities are preventing his return to the U.S., his family stated on Monday. The status of the other student remains unclear.
“We are relieved by Owen’s release from a Danish prison after the unprovoked assault he and his friend endured from an Uber driver on March 31,” stated Andy Ray and Sara Buchen-Ray, Owen’s parents.
“However, we are still deeply concerned that Danish authorities have seized his passport and are preventing his return to the United States – a measure we understand is uncommon in Danish court proceedings.”
“The evidence clearly indicates that Owen is the victim in this situation, and we implore Danish officials to permit his return home to the United States without further delay.”
U.S. State Department Aware, Providing Assistance
The U.S. State Department has acknowledged awareness of the situation and is providing consular assistance to the citizens. “The Department’s utmost priority is the safety and security of U.S. citizens abroad,” they affirmed.
Uber Statement on the Incident
An Uber spokesperson informed news outlets that the company “takes reports of violence with extreme seriousness.” The statement further directed, “Any further inquiries regarding the investigation should be directed to the Danish police.”
Arrests Amidst US-Denmark Political Tensions
These arrests occur during a period of amplified political tension between Denmark and the U.S. concerning the sovereignty of Greenland. Relations between the two NATO allies, traditionally close, have become strained following former President Donald Trump’s repeated expressions of interest in acquiring Greenland, a resource-rich, semi-autonomous territory of Denmark.