Richard Lomotey, a 36-year-old Penn State professor, has been arrested after allegations that he attempted to kidnap three women in the same night. Lomotey was charged with kidnapping, unlawful restraint, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.
According to Action News 4, Lomotey held two women in his car against their will and a third woman has come forward with similar allegations.
The allegations from the third woman came after she entered a vehicle that had an Uber decal on the windshield. She was leaving Galaxy Nightclub in Pittsburgh and offered the driver $10 for a ride home because she did not have the Uber app.
From the report:
Court documents allege Lomotey began asking about her relationship status, was holding and grabbing her wrist and locking the car doors. The victim told police she became uncomfortable and the pair began to tussle because she wanted to leave the vehicle. That’s when the victim said her shirt and bra were ripped, and she was so afraid for her safety that she jumped out of the moving vehicle along Frankstown Avenue. Lomotey stopped, but then drove off. The victim later told police that when she saw his picture on the news, she was certain he was the same driver who assaulted her and came forward.
Lomotey was previously arrested after attempting to kidnap two women by locking the doors to his vehicle. They ultimately jumped out of the moving vehicle with one of the woman being spotted running away after escaping with torn clothing and a limp.
Those women entered Lomotey’s vehicle after requesting a ride on the ride-sharing app.
“What’s been described is unacceptable,” Uber said in a statement after Lomotey’s initial arrest. “The driver’s access to the app has been removed and we stand ready to cooperate with law enforcement to support their investigation.”
Penn State Beaver, where Lomotey served as an assistant professor, also commented on the matter.
“I can confirm that Richard Lomotey is an assistant professor of Information Science Technology,” the statement read. “These allegations are deeply troubling and we have revoked his access to campus as we look into this matter. This is obviously a criminal matter and we cannot comment further.”
Lomotey was free on bail while awaiting trial before the latest charges.
