Lyft Driver Arrested In Sexual Assault Of Passenger In Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA — A Lyft driver suspected of sexually assaulting a sleeping passenger has been arrested, Santa Monica police announced Wednesday.

Police arrested 34-year-old Fernando Macias Morales, of Los Angeles, in the San Fernando Valley over the weekend in connection with an attack reported in September.

According to police, Morales was employed as a Lyft driver Sept. 7 when a woman hired him to take her from a West Hollywood restaurant to her home in Santa Monica.

"The victim, a Santa Monica resident, fell asleep in the car and woke up to inappropriate touching," according to Lt. Erika Aklufi of the Santa Monica Police Department. "The suspect then offered to walk her to her door, which she refused. Once home, she realized several hours had passed since she was picked up."

The woman called police, and Santa Monica Police Department investigators identified the driver as Morales, according to Aklufi. He was arrested April, and charged with felony counts of kidnapping to commit a sexual act, sexual penetration of a person intoxicated or under sedation, and oral copulation of a person intoxicated person or under sedation.

His bail was set at $500,000.

Anyone with additional information about the case is urged to contact Det. Stephanie Davis at 310-458-2201 x4400, Sgt. Chad Goodwin at 310-458-8931, or the Watch Commander's desk 24 hours a day at 310-458-8427.