Uber Driver Shot Six Times After Picking Up Two Passengers: Police

An Uber driver in Akron, Ohio, found herself in a life-threatening situation when one of her passengers unexpectedly drew a gun and shot her, according to police reports.

On July 17, at about 9:30 p.m., police arrived at the 500 block of Sanford Avenue in response to reports of a shooting.

“Somebody’s been shot on Sanford,” a caller told 911 after the shooting, per audio obtained by Cleveland CBS-affiliate WOIO.

“OK, did you see what happened?” the 911 operator asked.

“Uh, no. They just… I heard the shots and I looked outside and they were on the ground,” the caller replied.

The victim, 39, whose identity remains undisclosed, sustained six gunshot wounds. Despite her injuries, she was transported to a local hospital where she received treatment and was reported to be in stable condition, as per NBC-affiliate WKYC.

No arrest was made until a week had passed, when the Akron Police Department revealed that Jaiden Palmer, 18, was apprehended on Shaw Avenue. His arrest was conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service’s Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force.

The defendant has been charged with felonious assault and aggravated robbery.

Law enforcement’s preliminary investigation revealed that, at some point during the Uber ride, “one of the suspects brandished a firearm and shot the victim six times, striking her in the abdomen and arm.”

Both suspects ran away after the shooting. It is unclear if police spoke with the other man or whether a warrant is out for his arrest.

Akron Police Lt. Michael Murphy recognized the fear that such a crime could have on ride-share drivers.

“I would advise anyone who is driving for ride-share apps, if they feel as though there is something suspicious or the circumstances surrounding one of their rides seem off, they have the ability to cancel the ride or contact the Akron police department so we can look into it,” he told WOIO.

Palmer is being held in the Summit County Jail.