California Police Arrest Rideshare Driver For Alleged Sexual Assault And Kidnapping In Costa Mesa

Felipe Rico Ceballos faces kidnapping and sexual assault charges in Costa Mesa. Police seek additional victims linked to his rideshare work.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 12, 2026, 4:20 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from KTLA

A Predatory Encounter In The Newport Boulevard Corridor

The Costa Mesa Police Department has initiated a comprehensive investigation into a violent sexual assault that allegedly occurred in late February. According to official police statements, a 43 year old Ontario resident identified as Felipe Rico Ceballos targeted a woman who was in an intoxicated state in the 2100 block of Newport Boulevard. Posing as a helpful transportation provider, Rico Ceballos reportedly convinced the victim to enter his vehicle under the guise of ensuring her safe return home, according to the preliminary findings released by law enforcement.

Criminal Charges Filed Following Strategic Police Surveillance

Following the initial report filed at a local hospital on February 27, 2026, specialized detectives tracked the suspect to his residence in San Bernardino County. On March 5, 2026, officers successfully executed an arrest warrant for Rico Ceballos, who now faces a litany of serious felony charges. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office has formally filed counts of kidnapping and multiple instances of sexual assault against the suspect, highlighting the severity of the alleged abduction and the subsequent physical violations reported by the survivor.

Verification Of Professional Employment Within The Gig Economy

During the forensic phase of the inquiry, investigators confirmed that Rico Ceballos maintained active employment within the gig economy, specifically operating for at least two major rideshare entities. While the names of all associated companies have not been publicly disclosed by the department, representatives from Lyft have clarified that the suspect did not hold an active driver account with their specific platform at the time of the incident. This professional overlap has raised significant concerns regarding the vetting processes of transportation networks and the safety of vulnerable passengers during late night hours.