Uber vehicle possibly carjacked, Bay Area authorities report

Sheriffs are on the lookout for a "grey coloured" Prius

Uber driver awaits passenger at SFO International Airport AP

Authorities have reported the possible carjacking of an Uber vehicle in a San Francisco suburb. One report says a driver may be kidnapped, as well.

Contra Costa Sheriffs are on the lookout for a vehicle with an Uber placard displayed in the windshield in San Pablo, California, 20 miles (32km) northeast of the foggy tech haven.

Sheriffs say that the car has no license plate, but is identified as a “newer grey coloured Prius” with a “hyper-extended” driver’s door that does not close. They listed the possible suspect as a bald Hispanic man, standing tall at six feet, 200 pounds (14 stone).

A spokesperson for the Sheriff's office told The Independent that they are still trying to confirm details of the incident. They did not confirm details of any kidnapping, despite a report from KTVU's Randee Deason including such information.

Uber could not comment on particulars of the situation as the Sheriff’s office had yet to confirm details of the case.

Similar instances of Uber carjackings have emerged in recent weeks.

One South Los Angeles driver reported an attack and carjacking by a passenger who first lured him out of his car and threw bleach. She reportedly stole the vehicle and hit him with it. The driver, Saul Mejia, told a local NBC affiliate that she requested his vehicle and the ride started out normally.

Although Uber says they insure every ride, Mr Mejia had yet to receive word from the company about his case.

The Uber website includes safety protocol, but does not stipulate how drivers are protected from attacks like these beyond insurance.

Uber told NBC that they presented Mr Mejia’s claim to their insurer, however, and took one extra step, according to their safety policy:

“We have permanently blocked this rider’s access to Uber and are working with the authorities on their investigation.”