Updated on April 17, 9:30 a.m.
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A 77-year-old Uber driver was killed and his passenger was critically injured in a shooting outside a Center City hookah lounge early Wednesday morning.
Shortly after 2 a.m., police said a 22-year-old man exited the lounge, called Byblos, on 18th Street, near Chestnut Street. He was in the process of getting into the Uber, a Chevy Suburban, when another car, believed to be a Jeep Grand Cherokee, also pulled up.
Two men got out of the Jeep, and there was a physical altercation with the 22-year-old. At least one of those men fired four shots, Chief Inspector Scott Small said. The 22-year-old was hit several times.
The Uber driver — later identified as Olatunji Bolaji, of Norristown — was hit in the head, but he managed to drive off and make a right onto Chestnut Street.
“And while driving that vehicle after being shot, his vehicle jumped the curb, hit a light pole, tearing it off its base, and came to rest against another large pole,” Small said.
Bolaji was pronounced dead at the scene. The 22-year-old who was shot is in critical condition in the hospital, police said.
Police believe at least one of them was targeted, but they were not initially sure of a motive. Police said the Jeep may have Massachusetts license plates and was last seen going west on Sansom Street.
Hearing about the gun violence has some ride-share drivers on edge. One driver told NBC10 that he’s always been careful about the rides he picks — the time and location.
“I don’t do too much in the street at night because I do more airport. Because in the streets, you don’t know if people have guns,” he said.
A woman who lives in the neighborhood said she feels awful for the 77-year-old victim.
“Someone who was very innocent and just looking to make some extra cash and helping people out. It’s a very scary situation,” she said.
“Our hearts break for the driver’s family and loved ones in the wake of this devastating loss,” an Uber spokesperson wrote in a statement. “We’ve reached out to police to offer our support as they work to bring those responsible for this heinous act of violence to justice.”
Investigators are still searching for the suspects involved. There is a $20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.