Seekonk man held without bail in alleged Uber driver assault

SEEKONK, Mass. (WLNE) — The Seekonk man accused of assaulting an Uber driver after leading her to a dark, abandoned driveway is being held without bail.

A judge ordered 25-year-old James Oakes held without bail Monday, agreeing with Bristol County prosecutors that he is a danger to the community.

Oakes was arrested on April 26.

Prosecutors said he ordered an Uber and originally gave one destination, but then changed the address while he was in the car.

When the Uber driver arrived at the new location, prosecutors said she noticed it appeared to be a long, dark driveway.

Prosecutors allege Oakes asked her to pull all the way into the driveway, but the Uber driver told him to walk.

Prosecutors allege Oakes then wrapped his arms around the driver’s neck, prompting her to beg that he not hurt her.

Prosecutors said Oakes then told the Uber driver he wanted sex.

At that point, according to prosecutors, the Uber driver started to back out of the driveway, and Oakes squeezed his arms tighter around her neck.

The driver then started speeding out of the driveway, prosecutors said, sounding her vehicle’s horn in an attempt to get someone’s attention.

Prosecutors said Oakes then threatened to kill her.

When the Uber driver drove over a neighbor’s lawn, police were called.

Oakes was later arrested by Seekonk police.

Prosecutors said the Uber driver is currently hospitalized because of emotional distress from the case.

The defense attorney for Oakes said his client denies the allegations.

Oakes is due back in court on June 2.