In a shocking incident in Akron, Ohio, a regular Uber ride turned into a life-threatening situation for a 39-year-old woman driver. What started as a normal night of work quickly became a nightmare when one of her passengers suddenly pulled out a gun and shot her multiple times.
This scary event has left many ride-share drivers and passengers concerned about safety while using such services.
What Happened During the Ride?
On the night of July 17 around 9:30 p.m., an Uber driver picked up two male passengers in Akron. Moments later, gunshots were heard in the 500 block of Sanford Avenue. A 911 caller who heard the shots told police they saw someone lying on the ground but did not witness the shooting itself.
When police reached the location, they found the woman driver had been shot six times — in her abdomen and arm. Luckily, she survived after being taken to a nearby hospital. She was later reported to be in stable condition.
Arrest Made a Week Later
For a week, there were no arrests. Then on Wednesday, July 24, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Akron Police Department tracked down and arrested 18-year-old Jaiden Palmer on Shaw Avenue. He was charged with felonious assault and aggravated robbery.
According to the police, Palmer was one of the two passengers in the car. During the ride, he pulled out a gun and fired at the driver. After the attack, both men ran away from the scene.
What About the Second Suspect?
So far, the identity or location of the second suspect is not confirmed. Police have not said whether they have questioned the other man or if he is wanted in connection with the shooting. The investigation is still ongoing.
Warning from Akron Police
Akron Police Lt. Michael Murphy spoke about the danger faced by ride-share drivers and advised them to be cautious. He said if any driver feels unsafe or something seems suspicious, they should cancel the ride or immediately contact the police. Safety should always come first, especially when dealing with unknown passengers.
Suspect Now in Jail
Jaiden Palmer is now in custody at Summit County Jail while the investigation continues. Authorities are working to find more details and possibly identify the second suspect.
This tragic event is a reminder of the real risks that ride-share drivers sometimes face. Even though most rides go smoothly, it’s important for drivers and passengers to stay alert and report anything unusual.
The safety of both drivers and customers must always be the top priority. Hopefully, the ongoing investigation will bring full justice to the victim and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
