2 US Students Held in Denmark Over Alleged Uber Driver Altercation

Two American college students have found themselves trapped in the Danish legal system after what began as a simple Uber ride mistake escalated into a physical altercation and international incident.

Key Insights

Owen Ray and another American student were detained in Denmark following a dispute with an Uber driver.
Though released from custody, Ray cannot return to the United States as Danish authorities have confiscated his passport while the investigation continues.
The dispute escalated into a physical altercation with competing claims about who initiated the violence—the students claim the driver was the aggressor while the driver reported being assaulted.
US diplomatic channels, including Senator Dick Durbin’s office and the State Department, have been in contact with Ray’s family.

Dispute With Uber Driver Leads to Detention

The ordeal began when Owen Ray, a 20-year-old Miami University (Ohio) student, and his fellow American college student entered the wrong destination address during an Uber ride in Copenhagen. When they realized their mistake, the students asked to exit the vehicle to order a new ride.

Sara Buchen-Ray, Owen Ray’s mother, said: “Approximately five minutes later, the Uber driver circled back around and found them walking and started yelling at them.” The confrontation reportedly turned physical, with the driver allegedly kicking Ray, who then pushed back, causing the driver to fall. The students then allegedly fled the scene out of fear.

Owen Ray, one of the two U.S. college students detained in Denmark after an alleged altercation with an Uber driver, speaks out after being released from jail: "We were both just very shocked about the fact that we were being arrested over this incident." https://t.co/jIabxN83dv pic.twitter.com/sBGFNVg2Iz

— ABC News (@ABC) April 15, 2025

Airport Arrest and Prison Conditions

The students’ European trip came to an abrupt end when Danish authorities arrested them at the Copenhagen airport as they waited to board their flight home. The students were subsequently charged with common assault and sentenced to 10 days of pre-trial detention.

Ray’s mother described receiving a text message from an unknown international number letting her know that he was in prison, so she subsequently flew to Denmark. During his detention at Vestre prison, Ray was reportedly confined to his cell for 23 hours a day with limited communication with his family. The pre-trial detention was later extended until April 24, but Ray was released from custody on appeal. Reports have not confirmed whether the other student was released, although Ray indicated in an interview that this was the case.

Conflicting Accounts and Legal Developments

The incident has produced competing narratives. The family claims Owen and his friend were victims of an “unprovoked assault” by the Uber driver. Erin Pelton, a PR manager speaking on behalf of the students, stated: “A scuffle ensued, culminating in the boys fleeing due to fear. This is all captured via the Uber’s dash cam video, which is now part of the legal proceedings in Denmark.”

The Uber driver, however, provided a different account, alleging that he was the one assaulted. An Uber spokesperson stated, “The safety of everyone who uses the Uber app is a top priority, and we take reports of violence very seriously. The driver reported to Uber that he was assaulted by two riders who were later arrested by Danish police. Any additional questions about the investigation should be directed to the Danish police.”

Copenhagen police confirmed the arrests but have not clarified whether formal criminal charges have been filed. On April 14, Ray was released from prison, but Danish authorities confiscated his passport, preventing his return to the United States while the investigation continues.

Diplomatic Efforts Underway

The situation has prompted diplomatic attention, and Illinois US Senator Dick Durbin’s office is in contact with the family and the US embassy in Denmark. The US State Department has confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the students, stating: “The Department has no higher priority than the safety and security of US citizens abroad.”

The case is expected to go to trial in the near future, though proceedings may be delayed due to a court holiday in Denmark.