Two American college students, including Owen Ray, remain stranded in Denmark after a routine Uber ride allegedly escalated into a physical altercation that landed them in jail and embroiled in international legal proceedings.
Key Takeaways
- Owen Ray and a fellow American student were detained in Denmark following a dispute with an Uber driver that allegedly led to a physical altercation.
- While initially jailed, the students have been released but cannot leave Denmark as their passports have been confiscated.
- The students have been accused of assault, but they claim the driver was the one to assault Ray.
- US Senator Dick Durbin’s office is working with the US embassy in Denmark to address the situation.
How a Wrong Address Led to International Detention
The incident began when Owen Ray, a Miami University student, and his friend entered an incorrect destination in their Uber app while in Copenhagen. When they realized the mistake and requested a different destination, the driver allegedly refused to accommodate them. The students decided to exit the vehicle and find alternative transportation, but the situation quickly deteriorated.
According to Ray’s mother, Sara Buchen-Ray, the driver confronted the students after they left the vehicle. “Approximately five minutes later, the Uber driver circled back around and found them walking and started yelling at them,” she told reporters. During this confrontation, the driver allegedly accused the students of not paying for the ride, though receipts allegedly indicate payment was processed.
US college students jailed in Denmark after argument with Uber driver over wrong address: family https://t.co/tKgBrBDWIt pic.twitter.com/U7KKvrHp2N
— New York Post (@nypost) April 14, 2025
The Altercation and Aftermath
The students have since been accused of assault. However, Ray and his family maintain that he and his friend did nothing wrong. According to Ray’s family attorney, the driver kicked Ray, who then pushed the driver away in self-defense, causing him to fall. The students allegedly fled the scene following this altercation. The next day, as they attempted to board their flights home at Copenhagen airport, Danish police arrested them.
Ray was unable to contact his family for 36 hours after the arrest. His mother received a text message when he was finally able to reach out. She immediately flew to Denmark to support her son.
Current Legal Status
Initially detained for 10 days, the students had their detention extended to April 24 but won an appeal resulting in their release from jail. However, their passports have been confiscated by Danish authorities, and they must check in with police daily.
The US State Department has acknowledged the situation, with a spokesperson saying, “The Department has no higher priority than the safety and security of US citizens abroad.” Senator Dick Durbin’s office is in contact with the family and the US embassy in Denmark. The case is expected to go to trial this month, though proceedings may be delayed due to Easter court holidays.
Ray’s family maintains he is the victim in this situation and is urging Danish authorities to allow his return to the United States. As Ray and his friend await resolution, they face continued uncertainty about when they might be able to return home. The dash cam footage from the Uber, which reportedly captured the altercation, may prove crucial in determining the final outcome of this international incident.
Sources
- US college students jailed in Denmark after argument with Uber driver over wrong address: family
- American college student arrested in Denmark speaks out: ‘We had done nothing wrong’
- US college students detained in Denmark after alleged Uber driver dispute
