KRON4 is learning stunning new information on Monday about the man dubbed the “Rideshare Rapist.” 

The San Mateo man is accused of posing as a rideshare driver and raping four women in San Francisco. 

KRON4’s Dan Kerman has learned that Orlando Lazo, the man arrested, actually was employed by Lyft, one of the two main rideshare companies in the city.

In an email to KRON4, Lyft says:

“We have confirmed that this person did drive for Lyft, but as soon as we were made aware of these horrific and deeply disturbing allegations, we immediately deactivated him. We are still investigating at this time, but with the information presented, we have no reason to believe these incidents occurred on the platform.”

Lyft did not say how long Lazo has been driving for them.

KRON4 has also learned Lazo is an undocumented immigrant from Peru.

Here is a statement from ICE:

On July 13, ICE lodged a detainer with the San Francisco County Jail on  Orlando Vilchez Lazo –a citizen of Peru illegally present in the U.S –following his recent arrest on a variety of criminal charges – including rape, kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon.
 
“ICE maintains that cooperation by local law enforcement is an indispensable component of promoting public safety. The San Francisco County Jail does not honor ICE detainers nor notify ICE about the impending release of aliens in its custody. In doing so, the jail not only provides a refuge for illegal aliens, but it also shields criminal aliens who prey on people in the community.”

Police say the four women who were sexually assaulted were picked up by what they thought was the rideshare vehicle they had requested outside bars and nightclubs, mostly in the South of Market area, only to be taken to another location and sexually assaulted.

Police say DNA evidence has linked Lazo to an attack in 2013, and three recent ones in February, May, and June of this year.

The San Francisco police special victims unit stopped Lazo last Tuesday in the South of Market area, obtained his DNA, and arrested him Thursday for rape, false imprisonment, and kidnapping.

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