Suspect in American University sex assault is former Uber driver, spokesperson says

Police have made an arrest in connection to a sexual assault reported on the campus of American University over the weekend. Investigators say the victim had ordered an Uber, and got into what she believed was the car she had ordered-- but she was sexually assaulted by the man behind the wheel.

El Houcine Jourhdaly, 36, of Springfield, Va., was arrested and is charged with first-degree sexual abuse. According to an Uber spokesperson, Jourhdaly used to be an Uber driver, was permanently removed and has not done a trip for the company since 2015. The spokesperson declined to say why he was removed.

The assault, which happened outside of Asbury Hall, was reported around 3:20 a.m. D.C. police say it was around that time that the victim "received a ride, in what she believed was a vehicle for hire, from the suspect." But when they arrived where she was going, the suspect ordered the victim to get out of the vehicle, and then sexually assaulted her.

Police are asking anyone who may have had inappropriate encounters with the suspect or who may have any information about the case to call them at (292) 727-9099. Information can also be submitted to the Metropolitan Police Department's text tip line by texting 50411.