American College Students Detained in Denmark Urge for Passport Return Amid Assault Charges

American College Students Detained in Denmark Urge for Passport Return Amid Assault Charges

Two American college students, Owen Ray, 19, from Miami University in Ohio, and his travel companion, are embroiled in a challenging situation in Denmark, following their recent arrest connected to an altercation with an Uber driver. The students now face an additional hurdle, as Danish authorities have seized their passports, complicating their attempts to return to the United States.

Ray’s family expressed deep concern over the situation, stating, “We remain deeply concerned that Danish authorities have confiscated his passport and will not allow him to return to the United States. This practice is unusual in Danish court proceedings,” as reported to Fox News Digital.

Incident During Spring Break

The students were enjoying a spring break getaway when they encountered an issue on March 31 involving their Uber ride. Ray reportedly requested a change in destination after mistakenly entering the wrong address. However, the driver refused to accommodate this request, prompting the pair to exit the vehicle and cancel the ride, which led to a cancellation fee, according to their spokesperson.

Shortly after leaving the vehicle, the original driver began following them, threatening to contact law enforcement while claiming he had not been paid. Ray asserts he instructed the driver to follow through, emphasizing their innocence in the matter. “We said, ‘We’ve done nothing wrong. We’ve done nothing wrong.’ He then started an altercation with us,” Ray recounted during an interview with Good Morning America.

Arrest and Charges

The situation escalated into a physical confrontation, after which both friends managed to return to their hotel. The next day, however, they were arrested at Copenhagen Airport by Danish authorities. A police spokesperson confirmed that they had been charged with simple assault and subsequently appeared in court.

In reaction to their arrest, Ray conveyed his shock, stating, “We were both just very shocked about the fact that we were being arrested over this incident. We had done nothing wrong.” Initially, they received a ten-day pre-trial detention, which was later extended until April 24.

Aftermath and Ongoing Legal Challenges

Following two weeks in a Danish prison, the friends were released but now must check in with authorities daily due to the confiscation of their passports. A spokesperson for the Copenhagen police clarified, “Since they are still charged in the case, it is standard procedure to confiscate the passports until the court hearing. The next court hearing is set for April 24.”

Family’s Plea for Justice

The Ray family remains steadfast in their belief that Owen is the victim in this situation. They implore Danish officials to facilitate his swift return to the United States. Their statement emphasized, “The facts make clear that Owen is the victim in this case, and we urge Danish officials to allow him to return home to the United States without delay.”

Video Evidence and Company Statements

Reports indicate that the incident was captured on the Uber driver’s dashcam and is now part of the case evidence. Uber has 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.”

State Department Involvement

The U.S. State Department has acknowledged the media reports concerning the two detained American citizens and confirmed that staff at the embassy in Copenhagen are providing consular support. In their statement, they affirmed, “The Department has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens abroad.”

Awaiting Resolution

As the situation unfolds, Miami University has yet to comment on the legal troubles affecting its students. In a heartfelt plea, Ray expressed hope for a prompt resolution, stating, “I just hope that Denmark and the legal authorities here, along with the U.S. government, can help us to be released by Easter, so I can be home with my family. The best-case scenario would be for the Danish police and the prosecutor to drop the case at this point because we’re completely innocent and for them to return our passports and allow us to head back to the United States.”

A Cautionary Tale for Travelers

This incident serves as a cautionary reminder for travelers, particularly students, who may face unexpected legal challenges abroad. The complexities of international law can be daunting, and it is crucial for individuals to be aware of the potential ramifications of their actions while traveling. As Ray and his friend navigate these challenges, their story highlights the importance of understanding local laws and customs during international travel.