HOUSTON — A Houston-area man was arrested after being accused of trying to sexually assault a woman he gave a ride to.
Fortunately, the woman was able to fight back and run away, but other women may not have been so lucky.
Court documents indicate there could be more victims tied to the suspect, identified as Cesar Martell, 29.
Martell was charged with sexual assault for the incident that happened in June 2021. The victim told police she had just left a nightclub and a man picked her up while she was walking along Highway 59.
The man soon stopped the car, locked the doors and then climbed on top of her, she described. The woman said she fought back but that's when the man began choking her. She said she managed to kick him, get to the back seat then run for help.
Martell was identified as the suspect in this case and given a $300,000 bond.
According to court records, DNA evidence ties him to other potential sexual assault investigations from May 2023. One of those alleged victims told investigators that Martell had been driving for Uber.
“We have at least two additional victims that fit this scenario,” said a prosecutor with the DA’s office.
Martell is due back in court Monday where prosecutors said they expect more charges will be coming based on other cases.
We reached out to Uber to see if Martell was an employee and a spokesperson responded:
“This behavior has no place in our society or on the Uber platform. We take reports of this nature seriously and immediately removed the driver’s access to the app after this was reported to us.”
Tips on staying safe when taking a rideshare:
- Whenever possible, sit in the backseat, especially if you are riding alone. That gives you space and also a clear way to exit.
- Share where you are going with a friend or family member.
- Trust your instincts. If you feel like something is off, call 911.