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Uber bans local driver after alleged sexual assault

BOSTON — An Everett man is facing sexual assault charges after police say he was working for a ride share company when he attacked a woman.

Boston police said they received a call from Northeastern University police who had stopped a driver around 1 a.m. Sunday.

Ranjan Thapa told police he was the driver of the rideshare and was taking a female passenger home.

University police said they made an observation that led them to believe the woman “not only appeared to be in distress but may have been the victim of a sexual assault.”

The victim was taken to a hospital.

After a follow-up investigation by Boston police, the 26-year-old was arrested. Thapa told police the woman grabbed him first and that he knew it was wrong because she was intoxicated.

Uber says it has banned Thapa from driving for them.

Thapa also drove for Lyft. They released the following statement:

"These allegations are deeply disturbing, and our concern is with the victim. While this did not happen on the Lyft platform, this driver has been permanently deactivated. We stand ready to assist in any way we can."

Thapa was arraigned on rape charges Monday morning where he pleaded not guilty. His bail was set at $10,000.