LOGAN SQUARE — A Logan Square woman said she is suing Uber after being sexually assaulted and harassed by a driver last month and recording the assault with her cellphone.
Elizabeth Hammond, 30, requested an Uber early on Sept. 24 from Uptown to her home in Logan Square, according to the lawsuit filed Wednesday in Cook County Circuit Court.
Hammond was picked up by a driver, identified only as "Aleksander" in the lawsuit. Soon after getting into the car, the driver reached into the back seat and groped Hammond, moving his hand up and down Hammond's bare leg for more than 20 minutes, according to the lawsuit.
When Hammond said, "Don't touch me," and "Just take me home," the driver allegedly responded by asking Hammond to spend the night with him and offering her money to stay with him.
SCROLL FOR VIDEO
Upon reaching Hammond's destination, the driver allegedly demanded her phone number, forcing her to confirm its accuracy before she left the car, according to the lawsuit. He then sat in the car and watched her go into her apartment, she said.
Hammond said she reported the incident to Uber, sending the ride-share company video and audio recordings she took of the assault. The video, which can be seen in this Fox32 report, shows a hand reaching over the back seat rubbing her legs and thighs.
Later that day, the driver allegedly called Hammond and left a voicemail, staying, “Hey Liz. It’s me. I want to talk to you because my account is closed. What’s f------ wrong with you. Bye.”
Hammond "suffered great pain and anguish, both in mind and body, and will in the future continue to suffer," according to the eight-count lawsuit.
Hammond spoke to reporters at a Thursday afternoon news conference, saying, "I feel distrusting."
"I realize that this was a routine, and for that reason, I wanted it to stop so that no one else would feel assaulted and uncomfortable," she added.
An Uber spokeswoman said the company does not comment on pending litigation. Uber said the driver's access to the app has been removed.
Read the full lawsuit below:
Uber Lawsuit by Mina Bloom on Scribd
