In a concerning incident that has garnered media attention, two U.S. college students were detained during their spring break visit to Denmark. The students, identified as Owen Ray, a 19-year-old from the University of Miami in Ohio, and an unnamed friend, were taken into custody at Copenhagen Airport on April 1. This information was confirmed by Jordan Finfer, an attorney representing Ray's family, in a statement to ABC News.
The incident reportedly took place the night before their detention, on March 31, during a ride in an Uber. According to Ray's account relayed through attorney Finfer, the two students mistakenly entered the wrong address as their destination. The Uber driver allegedly refused to take them to a different location, leading to an altercation after all parties exited the vehicle.
Finfer detailed that during this confrontation, Ray claimed the driver kicked him in the groin. In response, Ray pushed the driver away, causing the driver to fall. Following the altercation, Ray and his friend fled the scene. However, their attempt to return home the following day led to their detention at Copenhagen Airport.
Local Danish police apprehended the two students, citing concerns that they were flight risks amid the ongoing investigation into the incident. Finfer conveyed that the authorities believed the students intended to flee the situation, prompting their detention.
An Uber spokesperson commented on the situation, emphasizing that the safety of Uber users is a top priority and that any reports of violence are taken very seriously. The spokesperson also directed any further inquiries regarding the investigation to the Danish police.
As of 10:50 p.m. Danish time, both Owen Ray and his friend remained in custody, according to Ray's attorney in Denmark, Eigil Strand. Notably, Danish police have stated that neither student has been formally charged with any crime as of yet.
The U.S. State Department issued a statement acknowledging the situation, confirming that they are aware of the media reports regarding the detention of two U.S. citizens in Denmark. The department assured that staff at the U.S. embassy in Copenhagen are providing consular assistance to the detained students. They reiterated their commitment to the safety and security of U.S. citizens abroad, highlighting that privacy considerations prevent them from commenting further.
As the situation unfolds, ABC News has reached out to Danish officials for additional commentary on the matter. The involvement of the U.S. government and the ongoing investigation by Danish authorities will be closely monitored as details emerge.
