Two American college students find themselves in an unexpectedly serious legal situation in Denmark. Among them is 19-year-old Owen Ray, a Miami University of Ohio student that got into a fight with an Uber driver. Their arrest, and subsequent charges of common assault, followed an incident on March 31. Throughout the case, the U.S. State Department has been highly engaged, working to provide consular assistance to the detained citizens.
Owen Ray and his unnamed friend allegedly faced complications when the Uber driver refused to take them to an alternate destination. According to accounts, as the two were exiting the car after being denied service, an altercation ensued. Danish authorities hospitalized the students and jailed them, placing them before the court on the same day.
This spokesperson noted that two American citizens had indeed been arrested in Copenhagen on March 31. The three leaders were charged with common assault when they reported to court later that same day. The students were sentenced to 10 days pre-trial detention, and this sentence has been prolonged until April 24th.
At the time, Ray’s passport had been seized by Danish authorities, an action his parents say is uncommon in Danish court proceedings. And like many others, they felt a significant weight lifted when he was released from prison. Yet, by disallowing his return to the United States, they effectively hurt his cause.
“We are relieved that Owen has been released from a Danish prison following the unprovoked assault he and his friend suffered at the hands of an Uber driver on March 31,” – Andy Ray and Sara Buchen-Ray (Owen’s parents)
Though thrilled at the outcome, they remain deeply concerned about the long-term ramifications of his passport confiscation.
“However, we remain deeply concerned that Danish authorities have confiscated his passport and will not allow him to return to the United States – something we understand is unusual in Danish court proceedings,” – Andy Ray and Sara Buchen-Ray (Owen’s parents)
They are determined in their conviction that Owen is the victim here. They continued to pressure Danish officials to accelerate his return home.
“The facts make clear that Owen is the victim in this case, and we urge Danish officials to allow him to return home to the United States without delay,” – Andy Ray and Sara Buchen-Ray (Owen’s parents)
The U.S. State Department is well aware of the context. Throughout this process, they have repeated the message that nothing is more important to them than making sure U.S. citizens remain safe and secure overseas. Owen Ray and his friend are shown experiencing this as they work through their newfound situation in an unfamiliar country. With court cases still pending, their anxiety only continues to grow.