An Uber driver charged with rape has been ordered held without bail.
Darnell Booth, 34, collapsed just as he was being arraigned in Malden District Court Thursday morning. The judge immediately called for a recess.
Booth was arrested Wednesday night in Everett, Massachusetts, and charged with rape, according to the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office.
According to authorities, Booth picked up the 16-year-old victim, when she used the Uber app on June 30. They have not met before. Booth allegedly added her to his Snapchat account. On July 5, when the victim was late for the bus Booth reportedly offered through Snapchat to give her a ride. Booth allegedly took her to a secluded area and raped her before driving to her destination.
An Uber spokesperson told necn that Booth hadn't used the Uber app in months and is "not an active Uber partner." His account was not active at the time of the incident and he will not be able to access his Uber platform going forward.
"The individual has been permanently banned from accessing the app and we've reached out to local authorities to offer any information that could be helpful in their proceedings," the spokesperson said.
It's not clear if Booth has an attorney.
