A late-night ride-share pickup in North Philadelphia turned violent early Saturday when a 38-year-old driver was shot while trying to escape an attempted robbery, according to police. She was hit in the left shoulder and taken to Temple University Hospital, where she was listed in stable condition. The shooting has rattled other drivers and nearby residents as police search for the gunmen.
How police describe the attack
Philadelphia police say officers were called around 12:29 a.m. to the 2800 block of Poplar Street for a report of a person shot. Investigators say the driver had been parked, waiting to pick up a passenger, when two males walked up to her vehicle. One suspect tapped on the driver-side window with a small handgun, then fired through the glass as she tried to pull away. The bullet struck her in the shoulder.
Police say the woman managed to drive to 28th Street, where she waited for emergency responders. The suspects ran off westbound toward 29th Street, according to FOX 29 Philadelphia.
On the ground
Investigators described the suspects as two slim males in their late teens to early 20s, both dressed in all-black clothing and wearing masks. No arrests have been announced. Detectives say they are reviewing video and other evidence as they work to track down the pair.
The shooting highlights the risks gig workers can face during overnight shifts, and it has renewed calls for ride-share drivers to lean on in-app safety tools while companies face pressure to strengthen protections.
How to help
Police are asking anyone with information to call or text the Philadelphia Police Department tip line at 215-686-TIPS. The details of the incident come from the Philadelphia Police Department and reporting by FOX 29 Philadelphia. Authorities say witnesses with video or other information can play a key role in helping identify the suspects.
