Cary Lyft Driver Charged with Kidnapping, Sexual Battery After Incident with Passenger

30-year-old Ryan James Davey accused of assaulting a juvenile rider during a trip this week.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:56pm

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A Cary rideshare driver has been arrested and charged with felony kidnapping, sexual battery, indecent exposure, and other offenses after police say he assaulted a juvenile passenger during a trip earlier this week. Ryan James Davey, who drove for Lyft, is accused of grabbing the rider's face, forcing them to kiss him against their will, and exposing himself while driving along Rock Quarry Road in Raleigh.

Why it matters

This incident raises serious concerns about passenger safety and the vetting process for rideshare drivers. It also highlights the need for stronger regulations and oversight to protect vulnerable riders, especially minors, from potential predatory behavior by drivers.

The details

According to the arrest warrant, Davey allegedly kidnapped the rider on Tuesday and then sexually assaulted them inside his black Kia vehicle. He is also accused of drinking alcohol while driving and refusing to provide his license when confronted by officers, who say he was openly uncooperative.

  • The incident occurred on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
  • Davey was arrested on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

The players

Ryan James Davey

A 30-year-old Cary resident who was driving for the rideshare company Lyft at the time of the alleged incident.

Raleigh Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the incident and arrested Davey.

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What they’re saying

“This incident raises serious concerns about passenger safety and the vetting process for rideshare drivers.”

— Raleigh Police Department, Statement

What’s next

Davey is being held in the Wake County Jail, and a judge will determine whether to grant him bail at a hearing on Friday, April 3, 2026.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for rideshare companies to implement more stringent background checks, safety protocols, and oversight measures to protect passengers, especially vulnerable individuals, from potential predatory behavior by drivers.