A Los Angeles man allegedly posing as an Uber driver who lured a woman into his vehicle was charged today with kidnapping and sexually assaulting her.
Dartanyun Lamar Smith, 39, is scheduled to be arraigned after 1:30 p.m. today in Department 30 at the Foltz Criminal Justice Center. Prosecutors will ask that his bail be set at $3.1 million.
Deputy District Attorney Gloria Marin with the Sex Crimes Division is prosecuting the case.
Smith is charged with one felony count each of kidnapping to commit rape, forcible rape, sodomy and assault on a peace officer. The complaint alleges Smith has prior convictions, including a robbery conviction.
Prosecutors said the victim was waiting for an Uber driver on April 3 when Smith allegedly stopped and convinced her he was there to pick her up. After the victim got into his vehicle, he drove to the 1300 block of Ingraham Street and allegedly began sexually assaulting the woman. Her screams alerted area residents who called police.
When police arrived, they tried to open the SUV, but the driver accelerated toward an officer. He managed to flee and the victim exited the vehicle.
If convicted, Smith faces up to life in state prison.
