Rideshare Assault: Suspect arrested for groping juvenile during drive home, Bellevue Police seek additional victims

The Bellevue Police Department is asking community members to contact law enforcement after officers arrested a 43-year-old male suspect last week after he sexually assaulted a female juvenile during a rideshare exchange service.  

At approximately 4:45 a.m. on February 17, Bellevue Officers were dispatched to a possible sexual assault case on the 12100 block of SE 44^th Place. A female juvenile told law enforcement that while using ridesharing service to return home, the driver – Martin Njoki – convinced her to sit in the front seat of the vehicle for the ride. Njoki provided the juvenile with the service but then stopped a couple blocks shy of the juvenile’s home. That’s when the suspect allegedly made sexual advances on the juvenile and prevented her from escaping from the vehicle.  

Fortunately, the juvenile was able to get out of the vehicle and safely reach her home before contacting law enforcement. Bellevue Police arrested Martin Njoki for the following crimes:  

Unlawful Imprisonment, 1 Count (RCW 9A.40.040)   

Indecent Liberties, 1 Count (RCW 9A.44.100) 

Because of the circumstances surrounding the case, the Bellevue Police Department is also asking for the public’s help. Community members should contact law enforcement if they remember themselves or a friend/family member experiencing unwanted advances by Martin Njoki while having him as a ridesharing service driver. Njoki drove a Mitsubishi with the license plate number CBM2456. Potential victims can call 911 or the department’s non-emergency line at 425-577-5656.  

Sexual assault incidents while using ridesharing services are rare, but the crime does happen – including in cities like Bellevue. According to HelpingSurvivors.org, the ridesharing app Uber reported about 2,717 sexual assault incidents from 2021-2022. Community members can take these simple precautions to protect themselves from becoming a victim:  

April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. Bellevue Police strongly urges any community member to contact law enforcement if they believe they’re a victim of a sexual assault crime. Residents can also go to Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network’s website (RAINN) if they want to speak with someone confidentially or want to learn more about how they can help friends or family members who may be victims of sexual assault.