17-year-old tries to sexually assault rideshare driver and steal car, NC cops say
A 17-year-old passenger tried to sexually assault a rideshare driver and steal their car, North Carolina officials said.
The Winston-Salem Police Department said the teen rode in the car and was being dropped off when he “forcibly pulled the victim from the vehicle.” The teen is accused of trying to assault and rob the driver before the “victim was able to escape with minor injuries.”
The passenger, identified as Anthony Penatrany, was taken to a juvenile detention center. The 17-year-old has been “charged as an adult under the ‘Raise the Age’ law with felony first-degree forcible sexual offense and felony attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon,” officers wrote in a March 4 news release.
Police didn’t list attorney information for Penatrany in their release. He was taken into custody at about 2:30 a.m. March 4, less than an hour after officials responded to the scene.
Officers don’t believe the teen and the driver knew each other before the incident. They also didn’t reveal which rideshare app the driver used for the trip.
“Due to the sensitive nature of this case, no further details will be released at this time,” officers wrote. “We ask the community to respect the privacy of the victim, as incidents like this have lasting mental, emotional, and physical effects.”
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call police at 336-773-7700, Crime Stoppers at 336-727-2800 or a Spanish language line at 336-728-3904. People also can text tips to 336-276-1717 or submit them on the police department’s website.
Officers urge rideshare drivers and passengers to be vigilant. They suggest confirming names during pickup, avoiding dark or secluded areas, and using emergency features in the rideshare apps if they feel unsafe.
“If attacked, make noise, fight back, and escape when possible,” police wrote.
This story was originally published March 5, 2025 at 12:26 PM with the headline "17-year-old tries to sexually assault rideshare driver and steal car, NC cops say."
