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Police: A man posed as an Uber or Lyft driver to lure women into his car

Posted at 4:54 PM, Feb 09, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-09 16:54:20-05

(CNN) — A California man accused of posing as a rideshare driver faces charges including burglary, false imprisonment and attempted sexual battery.

Now police are asking other potential victims to come forward.

Nassef Ragheb, 48, of Bakersfield was arrested Friday, Bakersfield police said. Authorities linked him to several investigations in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

Ragheb is pictured along with his vehicle, a gray 2018 four-door Toyota Corolla. In the most recent case, on February 1, officers investigated a prowling incident in Bakersfield. Ragheb was identified as the suspect, police said.

Investigators said Ragheb is also linked to two other incidents -- in 2018 and 2019 -- when Ragheb allegedly posed as an Uber or Lyft driver and tried to get women to enter his vehicle.How to stay safe when using Uber or Lyft

On at least one occasion, Ragheb allegedly drove a victim to her home and forcibly kissed her, police said.

In another case, a victim reported seeing Ragheb in the victim's backyard, peering into the windows, authorities said. And in another instance, Ragheb allegedly entered another victim's home through an unlocked door, investigators said.

All incidents took place in northwest Bakersfield, police said.It was not clear Sunday whether Ragheb had an attorney.Authorities ask anyone else who might have been a victim to call 661-326-3554.