The spring break trip of two American college students took a surprising turn when they were detained in Denmark under allegations of assault involving an Uber driver. Both students have maintained their innocence, expressing shock over the incident as they navigated their unexpected legal ordeal.

Details of the Incident

Owen Ray, a 19-year-old student from Miami University in Ohio, and his unnamed friend faced arrest on April 1 following a reported dispute with an Uber driver the previous evening. According to statements from Jordan Finfer, a U.S.-based attorney representing Ray’s family, local police identified the pair as “flight risks,” leading to their detention at Copenhagen Airport.

Ray recounted that the situation escalated after they mistakenly entered the wrong address for their Uber destination. When they attempted to cancel the ride, the driver confronted them, erroneously concluding he had not been compensated for the service. Ray described the driver as aggressive, claiming he threatened to call for help, which resulted in a physical altercation.

Legal Proceedings and Detention

Initially, the students were optimistic about clarifying the situation before a judge. However, they were informed that they would be held in custody for a period of 10 days. Ray expressed his concern, stating he was unable to make contact with his family for 36 hours after the arrest. Fortunately, he managed to send a message to his mother, which led her to travel to Denmark for support.

During their time in detention, Ray mentioned that they relied on each other’s company for mental strength, engaging in activities such as reading and playing games to cope with the stress of their situation.

Release and Current Status

On April 10, the Danish court decided to release Ray and his friend after their legal counsel filed an appeal against the detention. They remain in Denmark, required to check in with local authorities daily while awaiting updates on their case. Ray shared his hopes that the matter would be resolved favorably, allowing them to return home in time for Easter. He expressed gratitude for the support received from his family and friends throughout this challenging period.

Response from Authorities

In response to the incident, Uber released a statement emphasizing its firm stance on safety and accountability. “The safety of everyone who uses the Uber app is a top priority,” the company stated, directing inquiries about the investigation to Danish police. Meanwhile, the Copenhagen police confirmed that both students were charged with common assault, though Ray insists they acted innocently throughout the encounter.