Charleston Uber Assault Case: What Happened and Why It Matters

A disturbing rideshare incident in Charleston, South Carolina, has reignited concerns over passenger safety and the responsibilities of companies like Uber. The case involves biotech CEO Bryan Kobel, 45, who was left with serious injuries after being assaulted by his Uber driver, Vadim Uliumdzhiev, outside a French restaurant in April.

Kobel had booked an Uber ride and was holding his 17-pound service dog when he asked the driver if the dog was permitted in the vehicle. After being told “no,” he requested the ride be canceled. What should have been a routine interaction escalated quickly: surveillance footage shows the driver head-butting Kobel, knocking him unconscious in the parking lot.

Kobel was hospitalized with a concu

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