On September 9, 2020 at about 4:00 am, a 51-year-old woman requested an Uber to take her to work in Santa Ana. Jason Rodas, a resident of Garden Grove, was identified as the Uber driver. While in route to the victim’s workplace, Rodas suddenly cancelled the ride and told the victim her ride would be free of charge. Rodas then asked the victim several questions about her sex life. The victim became frightened and demanded Rodas take her to work. Rodas threatened to throw the victim out of the vehicle if she called the police.
Rodas ignored the victim’s plea and drove erratically until they ended up in the area of 300 South Minnie Street in Santa Ana. The victim jumped out of the vehicle and attempted to escape but Rodas quickly caught her. Rodas placed the victim in a “choke hold” and strangled her before sexually assaulting her. Evidence at the scene identified Rodas as the suspect and he was arrested several hours later.
Santa Ana Police Detectives served a search warrant at his residence to recover additional evidence. Rodas was booked at the Santa Ana Jail for several sexual assault charges including kidnapping with the intent to commit rape. Rodas’ bail was set at $1,000,000.00.
Santa Ana Police Department Detectives believe Rodas may have committed other crimes due to his actions. Detectives are asking for anyone with information to contact Detective Julio Gallardo at 714-245-8378, gallardo@santa-ana.org or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.
