“Uber” Driver Arrested for Robbery NR16199lp

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department’s Southwest Area Robbery Unit detectives have arrested 35-year-old Medhanie Meshesha, an “Uber” driver, for robbery.

On Saturday, June 19, 2016, around 2:40 p.m. the victim walked into the Southwest Area station to report a robbery. The victim hired an “Uber” driver the day before to take him to a location. After being dropped off at the location, the victim realized he had forgotten his cellphone in the vehicle. He contacted Meshesha and requested that he return. Upon his return the victim then had Meshesha return him to his residence.

During the ride back, the victim offered Meshesha a tip for returning the phone. Meshesha became upset and requested more compensation for returning the phone. The victim refused the larger tip and exited the vehicle.

As the victim was walking away Meshesha grabbed a large rock from a front yard of a residence and threatened to hit the victim with the rock.

During this time Meshesha demanded money from the victim. The victim again began to walk away from him. Meshesha dropped the rock and grabbed the victim’s phone from his hands. Meshesha then ran to his vehicle and fled the scene.

On Tuesday, June 21, 2016, Southwest area detectives identified 35-year-old Medhanie Meshesha. Meshesha was arrested at his home in Inglewood without incident. Meshesha was booked for 211 P.C. Robbery and is being held on a $50,000 bail.

Anyone with information on this crime is asked to call LAPD’s Southwest Area Robbery detectives at (213) 485-2562. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.