US Students Detained in Denmark Amid Dispute with Uber Driver

By Lisa Klaassen, CNN

Updated April 16, 2025

Two college students from the United States have been arrested and held in Denmark for two weeks following an alleged altercation with an Uber driver. The students, Owen Ray and a friend whose name has not been disclosed, are currently unable to leave the country until a court hearing on April 24, where they face charges of common assault, according to local police.

Incident Overview

The incident occurred around 2 a.m. local time on March 31 (8 p.m. ET on March 30) after the two students were returning to their hotel from a night out in Copenhagen, marking the end of their spring break in Europe. Family spokesperson Erin Pelton explained that the pair ordered an Uber but mistakenly selected the wrong destination. When they attempted to cancel the ride, it was automatically paid through the app.

The driver, believing he had not been compensated, reportedly threatened the students. Ray recounted on ABC's Good Morning America that the driver exited the vehicle, shouting that he had not been paid and threatened to “call 10 guys.” Ray emphasized, “We did nothing wrong — we were the victims of an attack.”

Dashcam footage from the Uber driver is currently part of the evidence in the upcoming court case, as confirmed by Pelton.

Arrest and Detention

After initially returning to their hotel, Ray and his friend were arrested by Copenhagen police at the airport on March 31 as they attempted to leave Denmark. Both students were brought before a court the same day and subsequently held in pre-trial detention for 10 days. Ray described their confinement, stating, “There were two of us in a pretty small jail cell, in bunk beds. We spent 23 hours a day in the cell. We had one hour a day of yard time, and were allowed to make one phone call a week.”

On April 14, the students were released from prison but remain charged and cannot leave Denmark. Their passports have been confiscated, and they must report to the police daily until their court hearing.

Family and Legal Responses

Owen Ray, who attends Miami University in Ohio and is originally from Chicago, expressed hope that the situation could resolve quickly, stating, “I’m just going to try and have a positive attitude and hope that they can resolve the case.” His parents, Andy Ray and Sara Buchen-Ray, maintain that the alleged assault was unprovoked, emphasizing the distress their son and his friend have faced.

Sara Buchen-Ray recalled receiving a distressing text message from Owen on March 31, which read, “Mom, I’m in prison in Copenhagen.” In a statement, Owen’s parents highlighted their concerns regarding how the case has been managed, stressing it is unusual for Danish authorities to confiscate a passport while awaiting trial.

Owen’s Danish attorney, Eigil Strand, characterized the incident as a "misunderstanding." Strand noted that Owen and his friend were merely in Copenhagen to enjoy their time and described the shock of their sudden arrest, particularly as they were preparing to return home.

Uber's Position

Uber responded to the incident, confirming that the ride had been paid for. The company stated that the driver reported the students had initiated a fight in the vehicle, leading to the incident being reported to the police. A spokesperson for Uber emphasized the company’s commitment to safety, stating that they take reports of violence seriously and are cooperating with Danish authorities.

US Government Involvement

The U.S. Department of State reported that staff at the U.S. embassy in Copenhagen are providing consular assistance to the detained students, stressing that the safety and security of its citizens abroad is a top priority.

This story will continue to develop as the court hearing approaches, and both families remain hopeful for a swift and fair resolution.