Edmonton Police Charge Former Uber Driver With Sexual Assault of Passenger

An Edmonton Police Service shoulder badge is shown in Edmonton on Aug. 1, 2023. The Canadian Press/Jason Franson

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) said it has charged a former Uber driver in the city with sexual assault that happened while he was on duty.

EPS said the incident happened on June 30, 2024, just before 2 a.m. when a woman was picked up by a dark grey 2023 Nissan Rogue in the area of 109 Street and 101 Avenue. The ride was booked through the Uber platform.

Police said during the trip, the male driver stopped the vehicle and sexually assaulted the woman.

EPS arrested Gurvinder Pannu, 32, on Aug. 30 and charged him with sexual assault.

Pannu was released on conditions that include he not work for any ride sharing or tax service, does not have direct or indirect contact with the woman involved in the complaint, and is prohibited from possessing weapons, including knives and firearms, EPS said.

Cst. Mughees Jutt said Pannu was arrested and charged as a result of a “thorough investigation.”

“We unfortunately believe that there are others who have been impacted by this individual and we would like them to come forward so we can investigate and provide them with appropriate supports,” Jutt said.

Investigators are asking any additional complainants who may have a similar experience to contact police at 780-423-4567 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.