A 15-year-old boy has been charged as an grownup with homicide after an Uber driver was discovered shot to demise early New Yr’s Day after a carjacking in a suburban Atlanta group, authorities mentioned.
The sufferer was recognized as Cesar Tejada, 58, of Grayson, Georgia, who was working as an Uber driver on the time of the taking pictures, in accordance with a launch from the Lawrenceville Police Division.
Authorities mentioned that Tejada was a father of two.
Police responded round 5:20 a.m. Jan. 1 to a report of an individual mendacity within the roadway within the suburban group of Lawrenceville, which is roughly 30 miles northeast of Atlanta.
Officers discovered Tejada affected by a gunshot wound, and he was pronounced lifeless on the scene.
Investigators decided that Tejada had picked up the suspect round 4:13 a.m. and transported him to Groveland Parkway.
Police mentioned the suspect exited the again seat, shot Tejada and left him within the street earlier than fleeing the scene.
Utilizing FLOCK digital camera know-how and dealing in partnership with Uber, detectives tracked Tejada’s car again to the realm the place the journey originated.
Officers later detained the suspect, recognized as 15-year-old Christian Simmons, after observing him strolling within the roadway close to his residence, police mentioned.
Simmons has been charged as an grownup with homicide. Police initially withheld his id because of his age.
In a press release to Fox Information Digital, an Uber spokesperson mentioned the corporate is saddened by Tejada’s demise.
“We’re saddened by this devastating loss, and our condolences exit to the motive force’s household throughout this extremely troublesome time,” the spokesperson mentioned. “We’ve been involved with the Lawrenceville Police Division to assist help their investigation.”
Uber confirmed the rider account related to the incident has been completely banned.
The corporate mentioned it employs former legislation enforcement professionals to help with investigations and presents in-app security options corresponding to an emergency help button, GPS journey monitoring and rider verification.
Police described Tejada as a husband and father of two and prolonged condolences to his household.
The investigation stays ongoing, and anybody with data is urged to contact the Lawrenceville Police Division.
