WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — West Palm Beach police have made an arrest in the sexual assault of a woman who got into the wrong vehicle while trying to use a car service earlier this year.
Police said a DNA match just identified 31-year-old Eddie Lee Thompson as the suspect.
According to the police department, the victim was with family and friends in unincorporated West Palm Beach on Jan. 4.
After having several alcoholic drinks, she used a smartphone car service to get a ride, but accidentally entered the wrong vehicle, which turned out to be Thompson's.
Police said Thompson took her to a motel, located at 3911 Broadway Ave., and sexually assaulted her.
Police said DNA evidence submitted to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Serology Lab identified Thompson as the attacker.
Thompson, who was already in the Palm Beach County Jail for an unrelated crime, will now face a sexual battery charge.
West Palm Beach police offer the following tips to protect yourself when you're using a car service:
- Confirm the vehicle's license plate
- Have the driver confirm his or her name and your name
- Sit in the back seat in case you need to exit quickly
— West Palm Beach PD (@WestPalmPD) July 18, 2019