GWINNETT COUNTY, GA - Authorities with the Lawrenceville Police Department (LPD) have identified the victim and alleged suspect in the killing of an Uber driver in an apparent carjacking.
On Friday, January 2, a police spokesperson said that 58-year-old Cesar Tejada was killed on Thursday, January 1. Investigators allege that 15-year-old Christian Simmons shot the Uber driver after being taken to the requested destination, WSB-TV reported.
"Mr. Tejada was working as an Uber driver to provide for his family," police said in a statement. "We extend our deepest condolences to the Tejada family during this incredibly difficult time."
Investigators said they believe the motive behind the deadly shooting was a carjacking, and that the driver and passenger did not have an argument. The suspect was taken into custody hours later, about 10 miles away from the scene of the killing. Simmons, though 15, will reportedly be charged as an adult.
A video caught by a Ring camera likely played a critical role in helping police make an arrest within hours of Tejada's killing, authorities said. It happened on Groveland Parkway in Lawrenceville. Ring camera video captured a black SUV pulling up around 4:30 a.m. on Thursday.
The driver stops, then the trunk opens, and the driver gets out. A couple of minutes go by, and the driver takes off, leaving the man on the ground. Video from 15 minutes later showed the same vehicle returning to the scene and stopping next to the body. Police say Tejada was carjacked and shot at least once.
About eight hours later, advanced technology led them to Hardwood Circle in Lilburn, about 10 miles away. That's where officers said they found the SUV and made the arrest.
Neighbor Hieu Lee said his dad happened to see the body in the middle of the road while heading out for work. "He was lifeless," he said. "Horrible, scary; we're still shocked," Lee added.
"It's a suburban neighborhood. You don't get any of that here," he said. "Fifteen-year-old kid, for somebody that young to do something like that, I have no words," Lee added.
Uber released a statement, saying, in part: "We're saddened by this devastating loss, and our condolences go out to the driver's family during this incredibly difficult time. We've been in contact with the Lawrenceville Police Department to help support their investigation."
Uber also said the rider's account has been banned.
On Friday, January 2, a police spokesperson said that 58-year-old Cesar Tejada was killed on Thursday, January 1. Investigators allege that 15-year-old Christian Simmons shot the Uber driver after being taken to the requested destination, WSB-TV reported.
"Mr. Tejada was working as an Uber driver to provide for his family," police said in a statement. "We extend our deepest condolences to the Tejada family during this incredibly difficult time."
Investigators said they believe the motive behind the deadly shooting was a carjacking, and that the driver and passenger did not have an argument. The suspect was taken into custody hours later, about 10 miles away from the scene of the killing. Simmons, though 15, will reportedly be charged as an adult.
A video caught by a Ring camera likely played a critical role in helping police make an arrest within hours of Tejada's killing, authorities said. It happened on Groveland Parkway in Lawrenceville. Ring camera video captured a black SUV pulling up around 4:30 a.m. on Thursday.
The driver stops, then the trunk opens, and the driver gets out. A couple of minutes go by, and the driver takes off, leaving the man on the ground. Video from 15 minutes later showed the same vehicle returning to the scene and stopping next to the body. Police say Tejada was carjacked and shot at least once.
About eight hours later, advanced technology led them to Hardwood Circle in Lilburn, about 10 miles away. That's where officers said they found the SUV and made the arrest.
Neighbor Hieu Lee said his dad happened to see the body in the middle of the road while heading out for work. "He was lifeless," he said. "Horrible, scary; we're still shocked," Lee added.
"It's a suburban neighborhood. You don't get any of that here," he said. "Fifteen-year-old kid, for somebody that young to do something like that, I have no words," Lee added.
Uber released a statement, saying, in part: "We're saddened by this devastating loss, and our condolences go out to the driver's family during this incredibly difficult time. We've been in contact with the Lawrenceville Police Department to help support their investigation."
Uber also said the rider's account has been banned.
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