An American college student’s spring break in Denmark has taken a troubling turn after an alleged violent altercation with an Uber driver led to his arrest and detention. Owen Ray, a 19-year-old student from Miami University in Ohio, was released from a Danish prison after more than two weeks but remains unable to leave the country due to the confiscation of his passport by authorities.

The incident reportedly began on March 31 when Ray and a friend ordered an Uber to their hotel in Copenhagen. After realizing they had entered the wrong destination, they attempted to change the address through the app. However, according to Jordan Finfer, Ray’s attorney, the driver allegedly refused to cooperate, prompting the students to exit the vehicle and cancel the ride. Minutes later, the driver purportedly returned, demanded payment, and made threats against the two students, according to Ray’s mother, Sarah Buchanan Ray. She recounted her son’s fear during the encounter, where the driver allegedly threatened to call a group of men to confront them.

The situation escalated when Ray claimed the driver kicked him, leading to a physical altercation where his friend allegedly retaliated. While Ray’s family asserts that the incident was captured on dash cam video, Uber provided a conflicting account, stating that the driver reported being assaulted by the students after an altercation in the vehicle. Danish police confirmed the arrests occurred the following day, April 1, at the airport when authorities deemed the students flight risks.

Danish law permits suspects in certain cases to be held for weeks or even months without formal charges. Ray and his friend were held in pre-trial detention for over 20 days before Ray’s release. Despite his freedom, the confiscation of his passport has left him stranded. His family has expressed concern over this unusual decision in Danish proceedings, arguing that their son is a victim in the situation and urging officials to allow his return to the United States.

The case has garnered attention, with U.S. officials, including the State Department, reportedly involved to assist Ray’s family. Illinois Senator Dick Durbin’s office has also reached out to the family, reflecting heightened concern over the incident.

Legal experts have noted that the Danish justice system operates differently from that of the United States, often moving at a slower pace. Dan Stampe Terzen, a Danish lawyer, explained that while it is possible for someone to be held for an extended period before charges are brought, there must be a proportional relationship between the alleged crime and the duration of detention. If the students are charged, they could face a maximum of 50 days in prison for common assault.

As the investigation continues, the timeline for resolution remains uncertain. Terzen suggested that the case could reach court within a month, but without confirmed charges, the authorities are under pressure to act promptly to avoid prolonged uncertainty for the students. The outcome of this incident could have significant implications for the students, the Uber driver, and the ongoing diplomatic relations between Denmark and the United States.

Ray’s family continues to advocate for his immediate return, emphasizing their belief in his innocence and the need for a swift resolution to this distressing ordeal.