Uber driver accused in Bellevue, WA sexual assault case gets reduced bail
The Brief
A King County rideshare driver accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old passenger in Bellevue pleaded not guilty on Thursday.
Martin Njoki, 43, is facing one count of indecent liberties and one count of unlawful imprisonment with sexual motivation.
A judge lowered his bail to $30,000 and ordered that he be placed on home detention if released.
BELLEVUE, Wash. - A King County rideshare driver accused of assaulting a teenage passenger during a ride in Bellevue appeared in court Thursday and pleaded not guilty to two felony charges.
What we know
Martin Njoki, 43, is facing one count of indecent liberties and one count of unlawful imprisonment with sexual motivation. Prosecutors allege the incident occurred in Bellevue back in February during an Uber ride drop-off.
"Mr. Njoki, has absolutely no criminal history whatsoever. He has no arrest histories. Never had a warrant and he also does not have the means to pay any bail," the defense attorney said during Thursday's hearing as she asked the judge to release their client.
Njoki is no longer driving for Uber or Lyft, his attorney added, and is the primary provider for his mother and five children. More than 20 supporters of Njoki were present in the courtroom during his hearing.
The prosecution opposed the request for release and asked the court to keep bail set at $150,000. Instead, Judge Averil Rothrock reduced the bond amount to $30,000 and ordered that Njoki be placed on home detention if released.
"I do want to recognize that these are really serious allegations," Rothrock said. "The presumption of the release is overcome based on the nature of the allegations."
The court also issued a sexual assault protection order related to the case. Njoki remains in custody at the King County Jail as of Thursday.
The Source
Information in this story is from the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and FOX 13 Seattle reporting.
Othello, WA woman's arrest sparks national debate on immigration enforcement
Passenger removed from Seattle plane after making 'inappropriate comment'
Jeffrey Zizz charged in kidnapping, murder of WA grandmother
How to watch, stream 2025 NFL Draft
WA caregiver charged with sexually assaulting disabled teen
'Assault of any kind is disturbing': Seattle bar brawl suspect arraigned
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Man charged in burglaries of pro athletes' homes including Richard Sherman and Julio Rodriguez
A 21-year-old man has been charged with multiple burglaries, allegedly targeting the homes of professional athletes, according to the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Earl Henderson Riley IV was charged with breaking into the homes of Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez and pitcher Luis Castillo, as well as former Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman and Los Angeles Dodgers Pitcher Blake Snell. On March 31, Richard Sherman posted on X that several armed men broke into his home the day before while his wife and kids were inside. According to court documents, Mariners CF Julio Rodriguez's home was burglarized on May 1 on Mercer Island. His girlfriend was home at the time and she barricaded herself in a bathroom while she called 911. Over $194,000 in jewelry and high-end purses were stolen, documents say. Mariners Pitcher Luis Castillo's home was burglarized twice - once on February 7, and again on March 28, prosecutors say. Surveillance video at Castillo's home captured the suspects fleeing in a black Jeep Grand Cherokee, which helped lead authorities to Earl Henderson Riley IV's arrest. In Edmonds, the home of Los Angeles Dodger pitcher Blake Snell was burglarized on March 24. Court documents say the damage was discovered on March 26 by security associates at the home. Over $200,000 in items were stolen, according to the documents. Prosecutors also say burglars attempted to enter the home of former Mariner Edgar Martinez on March 29. Suspects were seen walking on the property but did not enter the residence and nothing was stolen, according to documents. Court documents reveal that Earl Henderson Riley IV was previously released from court custody on February 7, 2025, after pleading guilty to previous robbery counts. Riley is being held in the King County Jail on $1 million bail, the prosecutor's office says.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
400+ bags of marijuana seized after high-speed I-78 chase
LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — A traffic stop on I-78 in Lebanon County led to a high-speed pursuit Thursday morning that involved a State Police helicopter, an out-of-state Uber, and the seizure of hundreds of baggies of marijuana, State Police say. Troopers said in court documents that they pulled over a 2025 Chrysler Pacifica, being driven by 39-year-old Charles Johnson, with 27-year-old Drew Earlington as a front seat passenger, in Bethel Township. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now A criminal complaint shows that the vehicle, a rental, had a strong smell of marijuana coming from it. After finding that the van was rented and the agreement had expired, Anderson was asked to exit the vehicle. While speaking with Earlington, who was still seated, the Trooper said they saw two marijuana storage containers below the center console. Earlington allegedly jumped from his seat into the driver's seat and fled when the Trooper went to talk again with Anderson, the criminal complaint states. Earlington allegedly hit speeds higher than 120mph, followed vehicles too close, and used the shoulder to pass vehicles while being pursued by multiple Troopers. State Police say he abandoned the van, which was later found in Swatara Township, Lebanon County. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Troopers said in the complaint that a 'large quantity' of marijuana was seen in plain view, and K9 Bobe was requested. After a search, Troopers said they found five large vacuum-sealed packages of marijuana, 465 individual packages, and packaging material. THC liquid beverages were also found. Earlington was eventually found in New Jersey. Troopers said they got a report about an Uber that picked up a man with multiple bags in the area where the pursuit ended. State Police learned that the Uber driver recently crossed state lines and notified New Jersey State Police, who pulled the vehicle over. Earlington allegedly had several bags of marijuana inside them, the complaint shows. The complaint also shows Anderson allegedly took a Snapchat of himself driving, showing Earlington and bags of marijuana in the second row of the van. PSP: Police pursuit ends in fatal motorcycle crash in Cumberland County Earlington faces felony charges of fleeing or attempting to elude officers, escape and manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of evading arrest and multiple summary charges of traffic violations. Anderson faces a felony charge of delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver, along with other misdemeanor drug charges and summary charges of traffic violations. Anderson is locked up in Lebanon County Prison with bail set at $200,000 by Magisterial District Judge Anthony Verna. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 12. Earlington has yet to be arraigned. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Lyft driver taken hostage in lobby of sheriff's office
A sheriff's office in Georgia said a hostage situation happened far closer to home than normal, our sister station, WSB-TV, reported. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] In the early morning hours on Thursday, Dawson County Sheriff Jeff Johnson defused a hostage situation in the Law Enforcement Center's front lobby. According to the sheriff's office, David Christopher Morris, of Dawsonville, was holding a knife to a man said to be his Lyft driver. TRENDING STORIES: Local woman accused of trying to open airplane door mid-flight Kettering Health cyberattack; Hacker group claims responsibility, sensitive info put on dark web Bodies of 3 sisters found after visit with their father; New photos released as manhunt continues Morris told the sheriff's office he'd been picked up in Hall County and, while on his way to an address in Dawson County, threatened the driver and had him drive him straight to the sheriff's office. When the driver and Morris got to the office, Morris held him at knifepoint and walked into the building, demanding to speak to Johnson, WSB reported. While waiting for Johnson to arrive, SWAT deputies established a secure perimeter, according to officials. After speaking for a while, Morris released the hostage and surrendered the weapon without further incident. The Lyft driver sustained minor injuries and was treated by Dawson County Fire and Emergency Services, the sheriff's office said. Morris was taken into custody and is in custody at the Dawson County Detention Center. 'We're grateful this situation ended without further harm to the victim, our deputies, or the suspect. It is an honor to work for a strong leader who leads calmly by example, even in the face of danger‚" Dawson County Sheriff's Public Information Officer Sgt. Matthew Blackstock said in a statement. According to WSB, Morris' charges have not been made public yet. The sheriff's office said more details would be released when they are available. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
