Dale Williams says he was left ‘on the floor getting laid into’ during the attack in Mapperley, which is in Nottingham, and believes he was abandoned by the Uber driver
A Nottingham student has claimed he was “left for dead” by an Uber driver after attempting to break up a road rage incident.
Dale Williams said he was pursued and attacked by two men who had been rowing with his driver following a heated exchange on the road, reports Nottinghamshire Live..
The 30 year old said he feared for his life during the assault, which took place in Blyth Street, Mapperley, on Monday, December 8.
Uber said it takes safety “extremely seriously” and confirmed it had launched an investigation into its driver, whilst police said they were investigating the assault.
Mr Williams had just clocked off work in the city centre when he booked an Uber to his mate’s housewarming in Mapperley at around 11.30pm.
“On the way there, we came across some guys driving really erratically and swerving,” he recalled.
After the Uber driver overtook the vehicle, the trailing motorist “got right behind” them, which prompted the taxi driver to go into a “road rage” and start brake-checking, Mr Williams said.
“They’d pulled up next to us, and I stood between them and the driver,” he said.
“They turned on me instead, and I caught a punch to the face. Another guy got out and chased me down the street.
“He got me on the floor and started kicking and stomping on me and stuff.”
Mr Williams then raised his head off the pavement to see the Uber driver fleeing the scene.
“I thought I’m going to die here. I was on the floor getting laid into,” he added. “He left me for dead. I was immediately trying to peace-keep. I hadn’t been drinking or anything.”
Mr Williams, who sustained facial and arm bruising, sought medical attention where he was informed he may have fractured two ribs.
Since the incident, he claims Uber has not assisted him in gathering information to aid an investigation into the assault.
He alleges that the firm has closed the case and is also denying him access to the route data, which would allow him to review CCTV footage, and has yet to respond to his Subject Access Request for pertinent data.
Uber has also reportedly blocked his account and is withholding information about any action taken against the driver, according to Mr Williams.
Despite later liaising with the police, he says he hasn’t given a statement yet and fears that inaction will enable his assailants to evade justice.
An Uber spokesperson stated: “What’s been described has no place on the Uber app. Our specialist team is investigating the matter and the appropriate action will be taken with the driver.
“We take safety extremely seriously, and this isn’t the kind of experience we want anyone to have when using the Uber app. We stand ready to support the police in their investigation.”
A Nottinghamshire Police spokesperson said: “Police were called to Blyth Street just before midnight on Monday 8 December following an assault. Officers located the victim at a house party. Our records show that contact has been made with the victim.
“A number of lines of inquiry have already been established to locate those responsible, and more inquiries will be conducted over the coming days. We take all reports of assaults seriously.”
