American Students Accused of Assaulting Uber Driver in Denmark

Two American students from Chicago found themselves jailed in Denmark after an Uber ride went awry, allegedly escalating into a violent confrontation.

Quick Takes

Two American students were arrested and jailed in Denmark after an alleged altercation involving an Uber driver.
The students have been released from prison pending trial but are being forced to remain in the country.
The Uber driver’s dash cam captured the altercation for legal proceedings.

Dispute in Denmark

During a spring break trip in Copenhagen, two American college students found themselves caught in an international incident. Owen Ray, 20, and his unidentified friend were detained following accusations that they assaulted an Uber driver.

Ray and those representing him, however, have maintained that he and his friend did nothing wrong. According to them, Ray and his friend canceled their Uber ride after realizing they accidentally entered the wrong address. They left the Uber, but then the driver allegedly caught up with them and accused them of not paying their bill, a claim Ray disputes. Ray says the driver threatened the students and assaulted him, prompting them both to flee.

The situation escalated further when the students were detained at Copenhagen Airport. The Danish police accused them of common assault, prompting a complex legal scenario. Ray spoke about being arrested, stating, “We were both just very shocked about the fact that we were being arrested over this incident. We had done nothing wrong.”

US college students detained in Denmark after alleged Uber driver dispute – The Guardian https://t.co/28bt7h6XoY via @GoogleNews

— HEM News Agency (@halfeatenmind) April 15, 2025

Family’s Response and Legal Proceedings

Ray’s mother, Sara Buchen-Ray, rushed to Denmark after receiving a distressing text letting her know that her son was in prison. Initially, the students were set to be held for 10 days but had their dates extended to April 24. A Danish judge granted some relief by releasing the students, though they remain under strict conditions with passports held by authorities pending further investigation.

Despite the release, Ray and his fellow detainee need to check in with the police daily. Their case is scheduled for trial soon, but delays could happen due to the Easter holiday court closure. Meanwhile, Senator Dick Durbin’s office is reportedly in active communication with Ray’s family and embassy officials.

Ray has indicated he hopes for a swift resolution, aiming to head home by Easter. Meanwhile, Uber emphasizes safety and defers investigation details to Danish police, stating, “The safety of everyone who uses the Uber app is a top priority, and we take reports of violence very seriously.”

The situation remains fluid, and with ongoing US-Denmark political tensions, the resolution is eagerly anticipated by all involved.