Hijacked Uber driver in South Florida kills gunman in the middle of the street, police say
VENTURA, Florida – An Uber driver fought back during an attempted robbery in South Florida on Sunday, potentially saving the life of himself and a passenger, according to police.
CBS Miami reports it didn’t take long for people to figure out that something was very wrong in an Uber car near the Ventura Mall just south of Fort Lauderdale.
“It looked like there was a fatality and there was a sheet covering something,” said Margo Stashauer, assuming a cyclist or pedestrian had been hit by a car. “I didn’t think that someone would’ve been shot.”
Police said the man she saw dead in the street was not only shot but was trying to pull off a robbery.
It all began around 5 a.m. Sunday morning, when police say an Uber driver picked up someone and began heading towards the airport.
“The Uber driver was then cut off by what we believe to be a dark colored either silver or gray Dodge Caravan,” said Aventura Police Sgt. Chris Goranitis.
What happened next sounds like something straight off a movie screen.
“And a male jumped out of the caravan with two guns in his hand and he pointed them at the Uber driver who also had a fire arm and his car which he was permitted for. He shot the suspect on the scene who is later pronounced deceased,” Goranitis said.
The passenger in that van got into the drivers seat and sped off, according to police.
“You have to be really careful because there’s crazy people out there,” said Stashauer.
Police questioned the Uber driver, along with his passenger. They say they’re also questioning a person of interest.
In fact, a van matching the description of the suspects’ van was brought into the Aventura Police Department. For people who live in the area, the crime, while unusual, is proof you should always have your guard up.
“You have to be very careful no matter where you are in any neighborhood,” said Stashauer. “This is a great neighborhood it’s very safe the police department the Aventura police department is right up the block.”
Police said the Uber drive was a licensed gun owner and had a permit to carry it. No charges are expected to be filed against him.
