Ride-share driver arrested in attempted rape in San Carlos

The driver for a ride-share company was arrested for allegedly attempting to rape a woman in San Carlos after picking her up in San Francisco the morning of New Year’s Day, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office.

The suspect, identified as Richard Fabian Silverio, was arrested Thursday and remains in custody on four felony charges including attempted rape, assault to commit rape, kidnapping and false imprisonment, according to sheriff’s deputies.

The crime unfolded in San Francisco, when the victim was standing on the sidewalk awaiting her ride share trip to San Carlos. Silverio was not on-duty at the time. He stopped and offered the woman a ride. Before reaching her requested destination, the suspect drove her to the rear of a business in the 300 block of El Camino Real in San Carlos, brandished a knife and told her he wanted sex as his payment, the sheriff’s office said.

The victim resisted and, after a struggle, was able to break free and run from the vehicle. The suspect caught her and violently attempted to rape her, but after a second struggle the woman broke free a final time and ran to a gas station, where a cashier called 911.

Detectives spoke to multiple witnesses and gathered evidence that produced the DNA sample that matched Silverio, the sheriff’s office said.

“Detectives believe this is an isolated incident, however the investigation is ongoing,” the sheriff’s office said.

Anyone who experienced a similar incident or has information to provide are encouraged to contact Det. Jose Velasquez at 650-363-4062, or by email Jvelasquez@smcgov.org. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Anonymous Tip Line at 1-800-547-2700.