American Student Speaks Out After Arrest in Denmark

Owen Ray, an American college student recently detained in Denmark, expressed his astonishment regarding the arrest of himself and a friend over an apparent argument with an Uber driver.

In a conversation with 'Good Morning America', Ray, fresh from his release, articulated, "We couldn't believe we were actually being detained due to this situation. We really hadn't done anything wrong."

Ray, who is 19 and enrolled at Miami University in Ohio, alongside an associate, was stopped at Copenhagen Airport on April 1, following a misunderstanding with an Uber driver the night before. This information was relayed by Jordan Finfer, the attorney representing Ray's family, to ABC News. Authorities in Denmark believed the two were intending to flee the country and arrested them, labeling them as 'flight risks.'

Incident Involving Uber Driver

Recounting the event through their attorney, Ray informed ABC News that he and his friend identified an incorrect destination address had been set for their Uber ride. When the driver declined to adjust the drop-off, they decided to cancel the ride and exit the vehicle.

After walking a short distance, the same Uber driver confronted them, wrongly assuming he hadn't received payment. Despite having already been compensated, tensions rose as the driver threatened to summon others for reinforcement, according to Ray.

Ray maintains their innocence, asserting, "We kept insisting we had done nothing wrong, but a confrontation began nonetheless."

An Uber representative stressed their commitment to user safety and advised that further inquiries regarding the event should be addressed to local Danish authorities.

Copenhagen authorities charged the students with ordinary assault but remained tight-lipped on further details.

Legal Proceedings and Support

Following his apprehension, Ray anticipated a swift opportunity to discuss the scenario with a magistrate and secure his release. However, the reality turned harsher as they learned of a ten-day detention in a Danish jail.

Initially unable to contact his parents, Ray was distressed for over a day before finally communicating with his family through a court facility. His mother responded by traveling to support him in Denmark.

In the shared hardship, Ray expressed gratitude for the companionship of his friend during the ordeal, noting they occupied their time with reading, card games, and chess.

Their detention was briefly extended beyond the initial period, but an appeal led by Ray's Danish counsel resulted in their release pending further developments. Their passports remain with the authorities, with daily check-ins mandated as the legal proceedings develop.

Ray remains hopeful for a favorable resolution, ideally one that allows for their return to the United States by Easter.

The U.S. State Department has acknowledged media coverage of the case, ensuring consular support for the students, yet refrained from additional commentary citing privacy concerns.