Danish authorities apprehend two U.S. citizens, accused of physically attacking a taxi driver.
U.S. College Students in Hot Water Over Taxi Scuffle in Denmark
Two young Americans have been in the clutches of Danish authorities since the end of March, accused of giving a taxicab driver a hell of a beating. Here are the lowdown details, chum.
The Lowdown
Those two lads aged 19 and 21, Owen Ray and his mate, have been under the thumb of Copenhagen police since March 31st, having been nabbed for what sounds like a messy tussle with an Uber driver. Reports from Ritzau, a Danish news agency, point to an altercation that took place just after midnight on the 31st, resulting in the taxi driver needing some TLC in the hospital.
The lads' lawyers swear they're innocent of the charges.
Initially, the pair got locked up for ten days, but the court wasn't about to let them skate. The reason: flight risk.
ABC News, an American media outlet, chimed in on the story. The paper claims that Ray's family lawyer said the scuffle started because the driver refused to change the destination after the boys realized they had goofed up the address. Ray himself said it started when the driver gave him a kick in the groin, after which he pushed the driver to the ground.
Cops grabbed the boys at Copenhagen Airport when they were trying to jet home the next day, according to the family lawyer, Jordan Finfer.
On the Record
An Uber spokesperson addressed the incident, saying they take assault allegations against drivers or passengers very seriously. They also advised queries about the ongoing investigation should be directed to the Danish police.
It's worth noting that Uber doesn't directly employ drivers in Denmark. Instead, they just hook you up with cars using local drivers provided by Drivr, a company that signed a contract with Uber back in the year 2024 and started operations this year.
As of mid-April, the boys' preliminary detention had been appealed, with the high court deciding whether to continue the detention. Denmark’s Østre Landsret high court will make the final call.
You can bet the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen is keeping tabs on the situation, offering assistance to the detained students.
Terms of Service
The safety and security of American citizens abroad is high on the U.S. Department of State's priority list. However, privacy considerations mean they can't divulge too much information about the case.
Extras
Wondering what Danish words are thrown around in crime investigations? Our news team has got you covered here.
Remember, we want your opinions and feedback! Drop a comment below, or shoot us an email at [email protected] if you have thoughts about this report or have questions or suggestions for our journalists.
Just remember to keep discussions civil, constructive, and on topic. And don't forget to take a peek at our terms of use before stepping into the fray.
Stay tuned for more exciting news on Tesla sales in Denmark, future of Denmark's defense agreement with the U.S., impact of Trump tariffs, and increased citizenship fees in Denmark.
- General-news sources have reported that U.S. college students Owen Ray and his companion, both aged 19 and 21, are currently in custody in Denmark due to an alleged scuffle with an Uber driver.
- According to ABC News, the confrontation started when the driver refused to change the destination after the boys realized they had provided the wrong address, with Ray himself stating that the driver initially kicked him in the groin before he retaliated by pushing the driver to the ground.
- Confirming the incident, an Uber spokesperson declared that they take assault allegations against drivers or passengers very seriously and advised inquiries about the ongoing investigation should be directed to the Danish police.
- Barrett, Ray's family lawyer, stated that the boys were apprehended at Copenhagen Airport the day after the altercation, as they were attempting to return to the United States.
- The court has not yet decided whether to continue the detention of the students, with the case currently being reviewed by Denmark’s Østre Landsret high court.
