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A 15-year-old Georgia boy is accused of ordering an Uber ride with the intention of carjacking the driver, causing his death on New Year’s Day.
According to a news release, at approximately 5 a.m. on Jan. 1, Lawrenceville Police were called to Groveland Parkway for a report of a person lying in the road.
The man suffered gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. Police identified the man as Cesar Tejada, 58, a husband and father of two who “worked as an Uber driver to support his family.”
Camera captures the fatal moment
A nearby Ring camera captured a black SUV parked on the street, and with help from FLOCK camera technology and Uber, police were able to uncover the night’s events.
Police said Tejada picked up the man on Rangewood Drive around 4:13 a.m. and drove him to Groveland Parkway.
When the car stopped, the passenger got out of the back of the car and shot Tejada, who was sitting in the driver’s seat, leaving him on the road.
The Uber passengers then got into the car and drove away.
Police then tracked the car to the same location where the passenger was picked up. As officers monitored the area, a person of interest exited the home and entered the roadway, where he was arrested.
15 year olds are billed as adults
The passenger and suspected gunman was identified as 15-year-old Christian Simmons. He is charged with murder and is being prosecuted as an adult, police said.
“We are heartbroken by this devastating loss and extend our condolences to the driver’s family during this incredibly difficult time. We have been in contact with the Lawrenceville Police Department and are assisting with their investigation,” an Uber representative said in a statement to the media.
Uber also said that the passenger’s account was banned, but that it could not confirm that the account belonged to Simmons.
Police called the violent carjacking “senseless” but praised the speed with which they identified and detained the passenger.
Eileen Wright is an Atlanta Connect reporter for USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. X Find her at @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.
