Knoxville Police Department detectives are investigating an alleged assault that happened early Sunday morning in Fort Sanders.

At around 4:20 a.m. on Sunday, September 22, 2024, KPD officers responded to the Fort Sanders area and met with a 22-year-old woman who reported that she was assaulted by a man who claimed to be an Uber driver.

The victim stated that she was walking back to her apartment in the Fort Sanders area when the suspect pulled up, claimed that he was an Uber driver just getting off work, and offered her a free ride to her residence. The victim reported that the suspect was possibly of Middle Eastern descent with a heavier build and driving a white SUV of unknown make.

Once the victim was inside the car, she alleged that the suspect assaulted her, pushed her out of the vehicle and left the scene.

The incident is under active investigation, led by the KPD Special Crimes Unit. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers anonymously at 865-215-7165.

The Knoxville Police Department strongly encourages residents and visitors to never get in a vehicle with an unknown individual for any reason. If you have requested a rideshare, always verify the driver information before getting in the car.

If anyone has had a similar experience, they are urged to contact the Special Crimes Unit at 865-215-6810.