A pre-dawn Uber pick-up in downtown Oakland turned into a violent ambush yesterday when the driver was pistol-whipped and robbed while waiting outside the Oakland Marriott City Center, police said. Surveillance footage shows four masked people getting out of two cars, surrounding the driver’s vehicle and threatening him with handguns.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the driver arrived at the hotel at about 4 AM. Two cars, a white Lexus and a gray Dodge Charger, pulled up alongside his vehicle. Four masked suspects opened the doors, allegedly struck him about 10 times with their guns, then took his wallet and cell phone before fleeing southbound on Broadway.
Victim's Injuries and Police Response
The police report described the driver as suffering moderate lacerations and swelling to face and head. He declined medical treatment at the scene and told officers he would go to a local hospital, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. By Friday evening, police had not announced any arrests but said investigators were following multiple leads.
Car Recovered Near Castro Street
Police later found the white Lexus at a gas station at 1700 Castro Street, about a mile from the hotel. That address matches a Chevron/ExtraMile station, according to map listings. Officers also reportedly discovered the Dodge’s license plate inside the recovered Lexus.
Police Seeking Witnesses
Oakland police are asking anyone who witnessed the attack or has video of the incident to contact investigators. Ride-hail drivers and passengers who were in the area around 4 AM are urged to review dashcam and phone footage and share anything relevant with authorities as the investigation continues.
