BALTIMORE, MD—Maryland State Police have arrested an Uber passenger after he verbally and physically abused a rideshare driver in Baltimore County.

The accused is identified as Eduardo Castillo, 30, of no fixed address.

The victim is not being identified at this time. He was transported by ambulance to Greater Baltimore Medical Center for possible exposure to controlled dangerous substances during the Uber transport.

At about 3:50 p.m. on Friday, April 21, 2023, the Maryland State Police Golden Ring Barrack received a 9-1-1 call in reference to an Uber driver being held against his will while transporting a passenger. Authorities have determined that an Uber driver picked up a passenger, later identified as Castillo, in York, PA. The driver transported Castillo to several locations before driving him to Baltimore City.

During the transport, Castillo reportedly took the driver’s phone several times. The victim advised police that Castillo was also smoking an illegal substance in the front passenger seat, yelling at him, and hitting him in the head while he was driving. The driver, in fear for his life, was able to send a single text message to his mother to ask her to call for help. The mother of the victim then contacted the police. An immediate lookout for the vehicle was issued.

Troopers located the vehicle and conducted a subsequent traffic stop on northbound I-83 in the area of York Road. Upon their approach, troopers observed Castillo with signs of drug impairment. Troopers also located illegal drugs inside the vehicle. Castillo was arrested on scene without incident.

The Baltimore County Police Department provided assistance on the scene. Personnel from the Baltimore County Fire Department also assisted.

Castillo was charged with second-degree assault, false imprisonment,and other related drug charges. He was transported to St. Joseph Medical Center for treatment. He was later transported to the Baltimore County Detention Center where he was seen by a district court commissioner and later released.

The case remains under investigation.