KATHMADNU, MARCH 12

One of the three women involved in the 'aggravated assault and robbery of a 32-year-old Uber driver' has been arrested by the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) on Thursday.

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A statement released on March 11 stated that police officers from the Las Vegas Police Department, earlier on Thursday, took into custody 24-year-old Malaysia King.

Meanwhile, 24-year-old Arna Kimiai, another suspect has expressed her intent to turn herself in. The communication between SFPD and her legal counsel showed her willingness to submit herself soon.

The March 7 incident was reported by the Uber driver, Subhakar Khadka, from Nepal, following the incident on the same day.

According to the police statement, "He had reported that at approximately 12:45 pm he picked up three female passengers at San Bruno Avenue and Felton Street. The driver stopped and ended the ride a few minutes later when he realized one of the passengers was not wearing a mask in compliance with state and local public health orders for COVID-19. The driver said that he could not continue the fare unless all passengers were wearing their masks. An altercation ensued, and one of the passengers reached over the driver from the rear seat area and stole the driver's cellphone. The victim grabbed and eventually regained possession of his phone. The suspects then exited the car and another passenger reached into an open window and sprayed what is believed to be pepper spray into the vehicle towards the driver. The suspects fled the scene."

Heavy outrage has gathered over the social media regarding this incident, not only because an assault was carried out on the driver by the women, but also because one of the women posted videos admitting her role in the incident and further threatening the driver.

Over this incident, Head of San Francisco Police Department's Robbery Detail, Lieutenent Tracy McCray expressed, "The behaviour captured on video in this incident showed a callous disregard for the safety and wellbeing of an essential service worker in the midst of a deadly pandemic. We take this conduct very seriously in San Francisco, and we're committed to ensuring that justice is done in this case."

To this, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi thanked SFPD for working quickly and standing up for drivers. He shared, "Anti-Asian hate and violence is shocking and heartbreaking-and it must stop. When one community is being attacked, we are all being attacked."