Two U.S. college students have been detained in Denmark for two weeks after an altercation with an Uber driver, officials reported on Tuesday.
Owen Ray and his friend, both students on spring break in Europe, were arrested after an Uber ride went wrong in Copenhagen.
On March 31, they canceled their ride after realizing they had selected the wrong destination in the app, but the fare was still charged. The driver, believing he had not been paid, allegedly began threatening the students.
Ray recalled to Good Morning America, “The driver got out of the car, started yelling, and threatened to ‘call 10 guys.’ We did nothing wrong.” The incident, which was captured on the driver’s dash cam, became the basis for the court case.
The students attempted to leave Denmark later that day but were arrested at the airport by Copenhagen police and charged with common assault.
They were held in pre-trial detention for 10 days in a small jail cell with limited contact. The two young men, who are still facing charges, were released from prison on Monday but are not allowed to leave Denmark until their court hearing on April 24. Their passports have been confiscated, and they must report daily to police.
Ray’s parents, who are deeply concerned, say the incident was unprovoked and call their son a victim of the Uber driver’s actions. “We remain worried about the way this case is being handled,” they said in a statement.
READ ALSO: Army and Air Force Libraries Ordered to Flag DEI-Related Books
Uber confirmed the ride was paid for and is cooperating with Danish authorities. The company said safety is its priority, and it takes reports of violence seriously.
The U.S. embassy is providing assistance to the students, and their families hope they can return home soon.
