Two American college students were detained in Denmark earlier this month following an alleged altercation involving a ride-share driver, according to a US-based attorney representing the family of one of the young men, ABC News reports.
Owen Ray, a 19-year-old student at the University of Miami in Ohio, and his unnamed friend were stopped by authorities at Copenhagen Airport on April 1 while attempting to return to the United States after their spring break trip. Jordan Finfer, the attorney representing Ray’s family, told ABC News that the students were detained in connection with a dispute that occurred the night before.
According to an account provided by Ray to his attorney, the incident began on March 31 when the two students realized they had entered the wrong destination in an Uber ride. When they asked the driver to reroute, the driver allegedly refused, prompting all three individuals to exit the vehicle. An altercation reportedly followed.
Finfer said Ray claimed the driver kicked him in the groin, and in reaction, Ray pushed the driver, who then fell. The students fled the scene shortly afterward. The next day, Danish authorities detained the pair at the airport, citing them as potential flight risks.
“The safety of everyone who uses the Uber app is a top priority, and we take reports of violence very seriously,” an Uber spokesperson said in a statement.
The company declined to provide further details and referred inquiries to Danish authorities.
The students remain in custody as of the latest reports. Neither has been formally charged, according to Danish police, who continue to investigate the matter. Ray is being represented in Denmark by attorney Eigil Strand.
The US State Department acknowledged the situation, stating:
“We are aware of media reports of two US citizens detained in Denmark. Staff at our embassy in Copenhagen are providing consular assistance.”
The department did not release additional details, citing privacy concerns.
ABC News has reached out to Danish officials for further comment on the investigation.
The latest news in your social feeds
Subscribe to our social media platforms to stay tuned