A 41-year-old man has been arrested after police said he posed as a rideshare driver and raped a woman at knifepoint near the University of Delaware.
Roberto Rodriguez faces charges including first degree rape, third degree unlawful sexual contact, possession of a deadly weapon during commission of a felony, theft under $1,500 and malicious interference with emergency communications, Newark Police Lt. Andrew Rubin said.
Rodriguez picked up the 21-year-old victim in the area of South Chapel Street and Delaware Avenue around 1:15 a.m. Saturday before brandishing a knife and sexually assaulting her, Rubin said. He also stole the woman's cellphone to prevent her from calling police, the lieutenant added.
Rodriguez had told the victim that he was a rideshare driver, and she got into his vehicle even though she had not called for a ride, Rubin said.
After receiving a string of tips, Newark Police found Rodriguez's vehicle, a GMC pickup, parked at a home on Nottingham Road. They staked out the home and when Rodriguez got out, police found a knife on him, Rubin said.
After establishing that the pickup was registered to Rodriguez and finding other probable cause, police arrested him.
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It was unclear if the victim is a student at the nearby university, but the University of Delaware Police advised students to download its LiveSafe app, which allows people to connect with the department directly.
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Students who experience sexual misconduct can also contact the UDP's Sexual Offense Support program 24/7 by calling 302-831-1001 and pressing 1.
