Ottawa police have charged a local rideshare driver with sexual assault, according to a news release from the Ottawa Police Service. Mohamed Laarous, 36, worked as a driver for both Uber and Lyft in the city, police said.
What We Know
Details released so far are limited. Police confirmed Laarous's age and his work as a driver for the two major rideshare platforms operating in Ottawa, but have not released further specifics about the circumstances of the alleged assault. As is standard practice, the charge against Laarous is currently only an allegation, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Why It Matters for Ottawa
Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft have become a fixture of getting around Ottawa, whether it's a late-night ride home from the ByWard Market, a trip out to Kanata, or a run to the airport. Thousands of Ottawa residents rely on these services every week, often specifically because they're seen as a safer alternative to walking or waiting for transit alone at night. A case like this one is a reminder for local riders to stay alert to their own safety, even when using a service built around convenience and trust.
Ottawa residents who use rideshare apps can take a few basic precautions recommended by both the platforms and local police: always confirm the driver's name, license plate, and vehicle match what's shown in the app before getting in, share trip details with a friend or family member, and sit in the back seat when riding alone. Both Uber and Lyft also have in-app safety tools, including an emergency button that connects directly to 911 and trip-sharing features.
What Happens Next
As with any active criminal case, the matter will now proceed through the courts. Ottawa police have not indicated whether additional charges or victims may come forward, and the investigation appears to be ongoing. Uber and Lyft both have policies requiring drivers to pass background checks before being approved to operate on their platforms, and typically deactivate driver accounts once formally notified of a criminal charge of this nature — though neither company had commented publicly on this specific case at the time of the police release.
Ottawa residents with information related to the case are encouraged to contact Ottawa police directly rather than sharing unverified details on social media, particularly while the investigation is active.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available from Ottawa police.
Source: Ottawa Citizen
