Elderly Woman Injured in Chaotic Uber Crash After Passenger Allegedly Assaults Driver

The 71-year-old passenger suffered broken ribs and bruises after the Uber driver lost control during the alleged assault.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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A 71-year-old woman named Eva Alvarez was left injured with broken ribs and bruises after a chaotic crash in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood. Alvarez was a passenger in a car hit by an Uber driver who lost control after her passenger, 26-year-old Oscar Ernesto Sanchez Aguirre, allegedly began groping her. The crash occurred last Saturday night near Southwest Eighth Street and Sixth Avenue.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the risks rideshare drivers face and the potential for violence during rides. It also raises questions about passenger safety and Uber's policies around driver protection and response to in-ride assaults.

The details

According to the police report, Sanchez Aguirre covered the Uber driver's mouth and began groping her, causing her to lose control of the SUV. The vehicle then hit another car and crashed into a building. Another witness, Candela Navarro, heard the crash and rushed to the scene, where she said the driver told her "He tried to rape me, he tried to touch me, abuse me." Sanchez Aguirre allegedly tried to flee the scene but was quickly arrested by police.

  • The incident occurred last Saturday night, February 1, 2026.
  • Sanchez Aguirre's hearing has been rescheduled to March 2, 2026.

The players

Eva Alvarez

A 71-year-old woman who was a passenger in the car hit by the Uber driver and suffered broken ribs and bruises in the crash.

Oscar Ernesto Sanchez Aguirre

A 26-year-old man who was the passenger in the Uber and allegedly assaulted the driver, causing the crash.

Candela Navarro

A witness who heard the crash and rushed to the scene, where she said the Uber driver told her Sanchez Aguirre had tried to assault her.

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What they’re saying

“I don't remember anything, just the airbag hitting my neck and jaw.”

— Eva Alvarez (WSVN)

“What she immediately was, 'He tried to rape me, he tried to rape me, he tried to touch me, abuse me,' and I was like, 'Oh, my God,'”

— Candela Navarro, Witness (WSVN)

What’s next

Sanchez Aguirre's hearing has been rescheduled to March 2, 2026, where a judge will determine the charges he faces.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for stronger safety protocols and protections for rideshare drivers, who face the risk of passenger violence and assault during rides. It also highlights the vulnerability of passengers, especially elderly or disabled individuals, who may be caught in the crossfire of such incidents.