Rideshare Rapist Convicted in Horrific Bay Area Kidnapping Spree

Orlando Vilchez Lazo faces life in prison for targeting young women waiting for rides outside nightclubs

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:13am by Ben Kaplan

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An extreme close-up of a metal object, such as a knife or sharp tool, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a sense of danger and the gritty, investigative nature of this crime case.A grim reminder of the violent tactics used by the 'Rideshare Rapist' to terrorize young women in San Francisco.San Francisco Today

A 44-year-old man known as the 'Rideshare Rapist' has been convicted on 11 felony counts, including rape and kidnapping, for a years-long spree of terrifying attacks on young women in San Francisco's SoMa and Mission districts. Orlando Vilchez Lazo targeted vulnerable 21- and 22-year-old victims as they waited for rides outside nightclubs, luring them into his car before driving them to secluded areas and assaulting them.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of sexual violence, particularly against young women, and the challenges law enforcement faces in tracking down serial predators who target vulnerable victims. It also raises concerns about the safety of rideshare services and the need for improved safety measures to protect passengers.

The details

Vilchez Lazo's reign of terror began in 2013 when he lured a young woman into his car in the Mission District, drove her to a desolate area, and raped her. Though that case went cold for years, the victim's courage in undergoing a forensic exam provided the DNA evidence that would eventually lead to Vilchez Lazo's arrest. The predator resurfaced in 2018, picking up three more victims between February and June, in one case tricking a woman's friend into getting out of the car before speeding off with his prey. In another instance, he pulled up to a woman pretending to be an Uber driver before driving her to a secluded spot and attacking her with a sharp object.

  • Vilchez Lazo's first known attack occurred in 2013 in San Francisco's Mission District.
  • Between February and June 2018, Vilchez Lazo targeted three more victims in San Francisco.
  • In July 2018, a dedicated task force tracked Vilchez Lazo down in San Mateo County.

The players

Orlando Vilchez Lazo

A 44-year-old man convicted on 11 felony counts, including rape and kidnapping, for a years-long spree of terrifying attacks on young women in San Francisco.

Brooke Jenkins

The San Francisco District Attorney who announced Vilchez Lazo's guilty verdict.

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What they’re saying

“'Let this conviction serve as a reminder to those who think they can outrun justice,'”

— Brooke Jenkins, San Francisco District Attorney

What’s next

Vilchez Lazo currently faces a sentence of 100 years to life in prison. The judge will formally sentence him at a later date.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing threat of sexual violence against young women, the challenges in tracking down serial predators, and the need for improved safety measures in rideshare services to protect vulnerable passengers.