Fake Uber driver tied to third sex assault

A man accused of sexually assaulting women while posing as an Uber driver is facing charges in connection with a third victim, police said Thursday. And investigators are concerned there might still be others.

Hissan Hamad, 37, faces an additional charge of sexual assault after investigators linked him to a report filed by a woman about an April 2017 incident in downtown Ottawa.

Hamad was to appear in court for a bail hearing Thursday. Detectives with the sexual assault and child abuse section said the three victims range in age from late teens to late 30s.

Police suggest verifying an Uber driver’s credentials before getting into a car and note that real Uber drivers don’t accept cash.

On May 11, police circulated a description of a suspect after a woman in her late 20s reported that a man posing as an Uber driver had sexually assaulted her, then followed her to an ATM in the ByWard Market, where she was getting cash to pay him.

Police said they feared the suspect might be targeting women who appeared intoxicated as bars and restaurants closed for the night.

Hamad turned himself in on May 12, police said, and was charged with two counts of sexual assault alleged by two women.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service tip line at 613-2361222, ext. 5760, or email mcm@ ottawapolice.ca.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or downloading the Ottawa police app.