Cab Driver Accused Of Rape Released From Jail

A taxi driver who was arrested on suspicion of raping and robbing a female passenger was released from jail today, but new charges could be leveled against the man, authorities said.

No criminal charges were filed against Iyad Mahmoud Mohammad Qeimari, 27, in the appropriate time frame, so the Cathedral City man was allowed to return home.

Qeimari was arrested Saturday morning on suspicion of rape, strong-arm robbery and kidnapping to commit robbery, according to Cathedral City police. Prosecutors, however, referred the case back to the police department for further investigation.

“When they get (more information) back, we will do a a review of the evidence and make a determination on charges,” said John Hall, a Riverside County District Attorney’s Office spokesman.

Hall said the case is not closed, but he could not say when charges might be filed.

Qeimari allegedly raped a woman he had picked up from a bar in Palm Springs in the early morning hours Saturday, police said.

Qeimari had his permit to operate a taxi revoked following his arrest but could regain it if he’s exonerated, according to Mikel Oglesby, general manager for SunLine Transit Agency.

The victim, whose name was not released, left the Village Pub in downtown Palm Springs sometime before 2 a.m. and hailed an American Cab taxi cab to take her home. Qeimari allegedly took her to his residence in Cathedral City instead, police said.

Police believe Qeimari sexually assaulted the woman at his home before taking her to another location and leaving her there, Cathedral City police Lt. Chuck Robinson said.

The woman was located in the 69700 block of Brookview Way and taken to a hospital for treatment.

Officers found Qeimari near the crime scene, questioned him and arrested him.