Georgia Teen Charged with Murder in Fatal Uber Carjacking on New Year’s Day
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — A 15-year-old boy has been charged as an adult with murder following the fatal shooting of an Uber driver in a suburban Atlanta community on New Year’s Day. Authorities identified the victim as Cesar Tejada, 58, a father of two from Grayson, Georgia, who was working as an Uber driver at the time of the incident.
Police responded to reports of a person lying in the roadway around 5:20 a.m. on January 1 in the Meadow Grove subdivision near the 600 block of Groveland Parkway. Upon arrival, officers found Tejada suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators determined that Tejada had picked up the suspect, later identified as Christian Simmons, around 4:13 a.m. and was driving him to Groveland Parkway. According to the Lawrenceville Police Department, Simmons exited the back seat, shot Tejada, and left him in the road before fleeing.
Using FLOCK camera technology and working in partnership with Uber, detectives were able to track the vehicle back to the trip’s origin. Officers detained Simmons after observing him walking near his residence. Simmons has since been charged as an adult with murder. Police initially withheld his identity due to his age but have now released it.
In a statement, an Uber spokesperson expressed sorrow over Tejada’s death, offering condolences to his family and confirming the rider account associated with the incident has been permanently banned. The company highlighted its safety features, including an emergency assistance button, GPS trip tracking, and rider verification, and noted it employs former law enforcement professionals to assist with investigations.
Tejada was described by police as a devoted husband and father of two. The community and law enforcement officials have extended their sympathies to his family during this difficult time.
This tragic event underscores ongoing concerns about the safety of rideshare drivers and the risks they face. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognize transportation workers, including rideshare drivers, as vulnerable to workplace violence, prompting calls for enhanced protective measures.
The Lawrenceville Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities urge anyone with additional information to come forward. This case also highlights the collaboration between local law enforcement and private companies like Uber to leverage technology in solving violent crimes.
For more on law enforcement efforts and public safety initiatives in Georgia, visit the State of Georgia official website. Meanwhile, Uber and other rideshare companies face ongoing scrutiny and pressure to improve driver safety protocols nationwide.
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