“We did nothing wrong”: U.S. college student detained in Denmark recounts ordeal over Uber incident

Why was an American student arrested in Denmark during spring break?

A spring break trip to Europe turned into a legal entanglement for 19-year-old Owen Ray, a college student from Miami University in Ohio, after an incident involving an Uber ride in Denmark resulted in criminal charges and temporary imprisonment. Ray, who had travelled to Copenhagen with a friend, has claimed they “had done nothing wrong” during the altercation with the driver. Yet, Danish authorities arrested and charged both students with common assault. The case has since drawn attention to the challenges U.S. citizens face when caught in foreign legal systems, particularly in countries with strict legal procedures like Denmark.

According to statements from the student and his family, the incident took place on March 31, 2025, when Ray and his friend summoned an Uber late at night. After realizing that they had entered the wrong destination, the students asked the driver to take them elsewhere. The driver allegedly declined, which prompted the students to cancel the trip and exit the vehicle. However, what followed was a confrontation that quickly escalated. The driver reportedly accused the pair of not paying for the ride—even though records reportedly show the fare was settled via the Uber app.

What led to the physical altercation with the Uber driver?

Ray claims that after exiting the car, the same Uber driver reappeared and aggressively approached them, which led to a verbal altercation that turned physical. According to his account, the driver initiated contact by kicking him, prompting Ray to push back in self-defense. The students then fled the scene, fearing further confrontation. Ray emphasized that there was no malicious intent behind their actions and insisted that they tried to de-escalate the situation before it became violent.

The very next morning, the Danish police arrested Ray and his friend at Copenhagen Airport, just as they were preparing to board their return flight to the United States. Authorities cited them as potential flight risks and placed them in pre-trial detention pending investigation.

How did the Danish legal system respond to the incident?

Danish authorities charged both students with common assault and initially ordered them held for ten days in pre-trial detention. That period was subsequently extended until at least April 24, according to local legal protocols. In Denmark, pre-trial detention can be imposed in cases involving violence or when suspects are considered likely to flee the country. While such practices are consistent with Danish law, they can be jarring for foreigners unfamiliar with local justice systems.

Ray described his time in Danish custody as distressing, stating they were confined to their cell for 23 hours a day, had limited access to the outside world, and were allowed only a single hour of exercise daily. Contact with family and legal counsel was minimal, further amplifying the psychological toll of the detention.

Although the students have now been released from custody, they remain under Danish jurisdiction. Their passports have been confiscated, and they are required to report to local authorities every day while the legal process continues. The uncertainty of their situation—far from home and unable to return—has prompted growing concern among their families and supporters back in the United States.

What are the broader implications for Americans navigating legal trouble abroad?

This incident underscores the importance of understanding how legal systems vary significantly from one country to another. In Denmark, pre-trial detention is not uncommon in assault cases and is often used as a preventive measure rather than a punitive one. However, for Americans accustomed to a different standard of legal protections, such as the presumption of bail or speedy hearings, these foreign procedures can feel unduly harsh or arbitrary.

Legal experts note that foreign nationals frequently underestimate the seriousness with which even minor altercations are treated abroad. A physical scuffle that might be considered minor or even dismissed in the U.S. can carry more severe consequences in European countries, particularly those with a strong emphasis on public order and zero tolerance for violence.

Moreover, the growing prevalence of ridesharing platforms like Uber adds a layer of complexity to such disputes. While Uber operates globally, its legal status and the rights of passengers and drivers differ based on jurisdiction. In Copenhagen, Uber has faced regulatory hurdles and legal challenges in the past, with authorities maintaining tight control over ride-hailing services. These regulatory sensitivities could have contributed to the heightened scrutiny of the incident.

What has been the response from Ray’s family and the U.S. community?

Ray’s family has publicly expressed frustration over what they see as an overly punitive response by Danish authorities. They maintain that Owen and his friend acted in self-defense and did not intend to break any laws. The family is urging Danish officials to drop the charges and allow the students to return home.

The case has gained traction on social media, with posts and hashtags demanding the students’ release and calling for diplomatic intervention. Some legal commentators in the U.S. have also pointed out that while Denmark has the right to apply its laws, the prolonged detention of non-violent students over a relatively minor incident could potentially strain public perceptions of fairness and proportionality.

At present, there has been no formal statement from the U.S. State Department beyond confirming that consular services are being provided to the students. Diplomatic engagement between the U.S. and Denmark typically remains behind closed doors unless tensions escalate or political intervention is warranted.

How might this case be resolved, and what comes next?

The students’ legal futures now depend on the Danish prosecutorial system, which will determine whether to proceed with a formal trial or drop the charges. Danish courts generally operate with high evidentiary standards, and surveillance footage, police interviews, and medical reports will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome.

If convicted of common assault, the students could face fines or suspended sentences, although custodial sentences are also possible depending on the court’s interpretation of the events. If acquitted, they may still be subject to travel restrictions until the case is officially closed.

For now, Ray and his friend remain in legal limbo—out of jail but not yet free. The emotional and financial toll of their prolonged stay abroad, combined with mounting legal fees, has added further urgency to calls for resolution. The case serves as a cautionary tale for young travelers, highlighting how a seemingly routine disagreement can escalate into a serious international legal matter.

Ultimately, their story is a reminder that while cultural exchange is an integral part of studying and travelling abroad, it also comes with risks that require awareness, preparedness, and respect for local laws. The spotlight now rests on how Danish authorities will handle the final stages of the investigation, and whether the two American students will soon be allowed to return home—or face a longer legal ordeal overseas.