California woman going to work choked, sexually assaulted by Uber driver, police allege; other victims sought

A rideshare driver was arrested on sexual assault and kidnapping charges Wednesday after he allegedly choked a woman and assaulted her early Wednesday, according to Santa Ana Police.

Police said an Uber driver identified as 30-year-old Garden Grove resident Jason Rodas picked up a 51-year-old woman who requested a ride to work at about 4 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9. During the trip, Rodas reportedly cancelled the fare and told the woman the ride was free.

Rodas allegedly asked the woman questions about her sex life, then threatened to throw her out of the car if she called police. She demanded to be taken to her destination, but police say Rodas ignored her, driving erratically and arriving on the 300 block of South Minnie Street in Santa Ana.

The woman jumped out of the car and tried to run before Rodas caught her, placed her in a choke-hold, strangled her, then sexually assaulted her, police allege.

Police said evidence at the scene implicated Rodas, and he was arrested hours later. A search warrant was served at his residence, leading police to believe the suspect may have committed other crimes.

Rodas was booked on several sexual assault charges, including kidnapping with intent to commit rape, police said. He was held on $1 million bond.