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Columbus police investigating reports of fake rideshare driver

Columbus police are investigating whether a fake rideshare driver who tried to hold an Ohio State student captive is the same man who has assaulted other female passengers.

Columbus police said they are investigating whether a fake rideshare driver has struck again.

An Ohio State University said she was groped, grabbed and held captive for several moments early Friday morning.

Hanna said she regrets hand delivering herself to the bad guy.

"I open the door and I say 'are you here for Hanna?' And he says yes. So I just got in the car," she said.

It happened in the 1700 block of North High Street. Hanna said she got scared when she realized her driver was driving in circles.

"He pulled into an alley. I started crying and I asked to get out of the car. I tried to get out of the car and he started to grab my thighs and my arm," she said.

Columbus police tell CrimeTracker 10 they're investigating whether the driver who assaulted Hanna is the same man who has groped other rideshare passengers.

Police say since August 5, four women have come forward saying they were the victims of unwanted sexual advances by a fake rideshare driver.

Police point to similarities in all of the cases: the crimes happened between 2-3 a.m., the suspect matches a similar description and the women all describe being inappropriately touched and kissed.

Hanna said her driver fought to keep her from running away.

"He was like grabbing my arm and grabbing my upper thigh and pulling me to keep me from trying to get out of the car," she said.

She said she believes her screaming scared the driver and she eventually got away unharmed.

Police said if you're using rideshare you should always compare the make and model of the car sent to your smartphone to the vehicle you're about to enter and ask for your driver's name.

Police said don't ride up front, wait inside your house or business until the ride arrives, don't ride alone if you've been drinking and don't give your cell phone to your driver for any reason.

Police said you shouldn't communicate with drivers on their personal cell phone because it undermines safety precautions, like GPS, put in place by companies that operate ride share services.

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