Two American college students, including 19-year-old Owen Ray from Miami University in Ohio, were arrested in Copenhagen after an altercation with an Uber driver during their spring break trip in March. According to Ray’s family and attorney, the dispute began when the students entered the wrong destination on the Uber app. When they asked the driver to change the address, he allegedly refused, leading to a confrontation. The students claim the driver became aggressive and assaulted Ray, prompting them to flee. The incident was reportedly captured on the car’s dashcam.
Danish police arrested the students the following day at Copenhagen Airport and charged them with common assault, holding them in pre-trial detention for 10 days. Ray has since been released but cannot leave Denmark, as authorities have confiscated his passport. His family calls this highly unusual and maintains that he is the victim.
The status of the second student remains unclear. The US State Department has confirmed it is offering consular assistance. Meanwhile, Uber has acknowledged the report and referred inquiries to the Danish police.
The case unfolds against the backdrop of strained US-Denmark relations, particularly following former President Trump’s controversial interest in purchasing Greenland, a Danish territory.