A Chicago Lyft driver is accused of zip-tying and raping a 25-year-old woman at knifepoint earlier this month after she fell asleep in his car, the Cook County state’s attorney’s office says.
Angelo McCoy, 48, of the 7200 block of South Sawyer Avenue, is charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault, aggravated kidnapping, armed robbery and unlawful restraint.
McCoy was in court for a bond hearing Monday where he was ordered held in lieu of $90,000.
On July 7, the victim says she had too much to drink while out with friends in the River North neighborhood and decided to order a ride home, according to prosecutors. She was picked up in the 400 block of North Clark Street — but fell asleep shortly after getting in the car, authorities said.
When the 25-year-old awoke a short time later, she realized she wasn't headed in the direction of her home and asked to get out of the car, but McCoy drove into an alley and refused to let her exit the vehicle, prosecutors said.
McCoy got in the backseat with the woman, grabbed her by the throat and tied her hands behind her back with zip ties, prosecutors said.
Police said McCoy was armed with a knife during the incident.
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The victim told police she saw three people further down the alley, but they did not respond to her screams for help, prosecutors said.
After raping the woman, McCoy took her phone and driver’s license, and demanded she give him cash, prosecutors said.
McCoy then drove away and the victim escaped by jumping out of the moving car near Ashland and Belmont avenues, prosecutors said. A driver behind McCoy’s car took the woman to a nearby police station, prosecutors said.
She was held captive about two hours, authorities said.
"These allegations are sickening and horrifying. As soon as we were made aware of this incident, we deactivated the driver’s account and did everything we could to assist law enforcement,” Scott Coriell, a spokesman for Lyft, said in a statement. “Our concern is with the victim and her well-being. We stand ready to assist law enforcement in their investigation."
Police arrested McCoy on July 19.
He is due back in court on Aug. 9.