An Uber driver in Akron faced a harrowing situation Thursday night when she was shot six times by passengers she picked up, according to Akron Police. The violence unfolded in the 500 block of Sanford Avenue shortly before 9:30 p.m., as reported by Cleveland.com. The 39-year-old woman, after collecting two male passengers, suffered gunshot wounds to her abdomen and arm, inflicted by one of the individuals in the car.
Running off after attacking the driver, the suspects left the scene on foot and are currently being pursued by police. According to News 5 Cleveland, the incident did not appear to be a robbery attempt, leaving the motive deeply uncertain. The driver, meanwhile, was rushed to Summa Akron City Hospital and was last reported in stable condition.
Local residents were drawn into the ordeal as gunfire shattered the quiet of the night. "We were watching a movie and then we just hear 'pop, pop, pop,'" Max Siglow, a neighbor, recounted in an interview with News 5 Cleveland, disclosing the chilling surprise of violence arriving on their street. Another local resident, Diane, told Cleveland19 that her immediate reaction was to ensure her children's safety and call for emergency services, while also expressing her concern for the victim's well-being.
In response to the shooting, Uber has condemned the violence and affirmed its cooperation with law enforcement efforts. "We are shocked and sickened by this violence. Our thoughts are with the driver, and are reaching out to them to check in. We’ve banned the rider from the Uber platform, and are continuing to investigate the incident," a spokesperson conveyed via Cleveland19. The statement yearned for justice for its driver while emphasizing the immediate prohibition placed upon the alleged assailant from their service platform.
With a recent uptick in crimes against service drivers in Akron, the police are urging vigilance. "If you're a rideshare driver and you experience anything that's suspicious, or you have concerns related to individuals that are inside of the car, please pull over, cancel the ride," Lt. Michael Murphy of the Akron Police Department advised, as stated in the News 5 Cleveland report. As the investigation into the shooting continues, Akron Police welcomes any information at 330-375-2490 or the department's tip line at 330-375-2Tip.
