COPENHAGEN, DENMARK – The ordeal of two Chicago students, detained in a Danish prison for nearly two weeks, has left their families grappling with a complex legal situation overseas. The young men, alumni of a prestigious Chicago prep school, found themselves in custody after what seemed like a routine Uber ride turned into a nightmare.
Visiting friends in Copenhagen, the students mistakenly entered the wrong address into their Uber app. Realizing the error, they requested to exit the vehicle and ordered another ride. However, the situation escalated when the original driver confronted them, alleging non-payment, despite receipts proving otherwise.
Back in Chicago, Owen’s mother received a distressing message from her son, informing her of his detention. She promptly traveled to Copenhagen, staying in a local Airbnb, determined to navigate the legal maze to secure his release.
In a recent court hearing, video footage was presented, capturing the Uber driver’s confrontation with Owen and his friend. The footage allegedly shows the driver threatening to call the police, while the students, maintaining their innocence, encouraged her to do so.
Their arrest took place at the Copenhagen airport, just hours before their scheduled departure back to the United States. Despite not facing any charges, Owen remains detained due to being considered a flight risk.
Locked up for 23 hours a day, Owen’s only contact with the outside world is a weekly phone call and visit from his mother. The uncertainty of the situation weighs heavily on the family, with the looming trial and the potential long-term consequences on Owen’s future causing significant concern.
The family’s Chicago-based attorney has expressed frustration over the lack of charges and the prolonged detention. The trial, initially expected this month, might be delayed due to a five-day court holiday for Easter.
In the meantime, Owen, a student at Miami University in Ohio, has already missed two weeks of college, adding to the growing list of repercussions from this unexpected and harrowing experience.