Lanham Rideshare Driver Charged in Teen Rape, Kidnapping
Lanham Rideshare Driver Charged in Teen Rape, Kidnapping
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Key Points
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Police said the investigation began after officers were called to an area hospital on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, regarding a rape reported to have occurred earlier that day.
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Dia was arrested in Lanham on Wednesday, Sept. 16, by the Montgomery County Police Repeat Offenders Unit.
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The teenager was identified by police as being under 18, and officers said she told them the alleged rape occurred earlier that day after Dia drove her to the Silver Spring parking lot.
A rideshare driver in Maryland faces serious charges after police say he sexually assaulted a teenage passenger. Fox News reported that Abdoulaye Dia, an Empower driver from Lanham, was arrested on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, following a report at a hospital the day before. Police say the victim, a teenager under 18, told them Dia drove her to a Silver Spring parking lot and raped her.
Dia is charged with first-degree rape, kidnapping, second-degree assault, and third-degree sex offense. Hoodline reported he is being held without bond. Detectives believe there may be other victims and are asking anyone with information to contact the Special Victims Investigations Division at 240-773-5050. The charges remain unproven, and Dia is presumed innocent.
How Police Identified the Suspect
Officers were called to a hospital on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, after a rape was reported. The teenage victim told police that her Empower driver had taken her to a Silver Spring parking lot earlier that day and assaulted her. Fox 5 DC reported that Montgomery County Police detectives used information from the rideshare app to identify Dia.
The Repeat Offenders Unit arrested Dia in Lanham the following day. Police moved quickly to take him into custody and prevent further alleged crimes.The New York Post reported on the severity of the charges he now faces.
Prior Arrest History Emerges in New York
Fox News reported that Dia has a history of sex abuse accusations. He was previously arrested in New York on separate sexual abuse charges, marking a troubling pattern of alleged behavior. Details about the prior New York case were not fully disclosed in available reports.
The emergence of the prior arrest has raised questions about how rideshare companies vet their drivers. Empower's background check process did not flag the previous allegations, according to reports. This has intensified scrutiny on rideshare safety standards nationwide.Fox 5 DC noted the importance of thorough vetting procedures.
Immigration Status Under Investigation
Fox 5 DC reported that the Department of Homeland Security confirmed Dia is in the country illegally. Border Patrol agents had previously encountered him, but he was not detained at that time. His legal immigration status is now central to the investigation and prosecution.
Police Search for Possible Additional Victims
Investigators believe Dia may have victimized other people through his rideshare work. Hoodline reported that police are urging anyone with information to come forward. The Special Victims Investigations Division can be reached at 240-773-5050. All tips are treated confidentially.
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