Woman Allegedly Raped By Shock Trauma Guard Richard Barnes Was Also Sexually Assaulted By Lyft Driver, Charging Docs Say
BALTIMORE (WJZ) — The woman accusing a Shock Trauma security guard of rape said she was also sexually assaulted by her Lyft driver just before the guard showed up, charging documents reveal.
According to charging documents, the 29-year-old victim said she was in a Lyft going to Charles Village Pub on June 1, when the Lyft driver sexually assaulted her, pulled over in the 2700 block of Lovegrove Street and forced the woman on top of him.
Police say that's when 50-year-old Richard Barnes showed up. They say Barnes identified himself as a police officer and ordered the woman into his car.
Then, police say he drove her to another location, raped her, changed clothes, and dropped her off back on Lovegrove Street.
Police took 120 squad cars out of service at the beginning of this investigation — as they ruled out a real police officer was involved.
But Commissioner Michael Harrison never mentioned the Lyft driver at a press conference about the rape.
Charging documents name the Lyft driver and say police determined the victim's location through her Lyft app.
Lyft issued the following statement to WJZ Investigator Mike Hellgren:
"Safety is fundamental to Lyft and the behavior described is incredibly disturbing. There is absolutely no place on the Lyft platform for violence or harassment of any kind. Immediately upon learning of the allegations, we deactivated this driver. We have been in touch with law enforcement to assist with their investigation."
Baltimore City Police and the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office will not say why the Lyft driver has not been charged.
They will only tell WJZ this is an open and ongoing investigation.
Shock Trauma Security Guard Charged With Rape Previously Impersonated A Police Officer
Barnes appeared in court Thursday and asked for a private attorney. Judge William Dunn would not postpone the bail review until he could get new representation. But after the prosecutor revealed the date of the offense was incorrect in charging documents, Judge Dunn ordered a full bail review Friday —and ordered Barnes be jailed until then.
Barnes is charged with rape and impersonating a police officer. He appeared before a judge Thursday via a video link and said he wanted to hire a private attorney.
