Tragedy Strikes: Rideshare Driver Killed, Carjacked in Houston’s Southside
A Night of Terror
Houston, TX – Three men are on the run after investigators said a rideshare driver was robbed, killed, and carjacked overnight Wednesday on Houston’s southside. The driver’s vehicle was found abandoned in a ditch just a few blocks away from where he was left for dead.
The Tragic Events
According to Houston police, around 2 a.m., a witness called 911 saying a 27-year-old man, who works for Lyft, had been found shot several times. He was rushed to the hospital, where he died from his injuries.
A Witness’s Account
KPRC 2 reporter Corley Peel spoke with Isaac Wingfall, who rushed to help the driver after hearing multiple gunshots.
"I was very afraid," said Wingfall. "At first, I thought it was just some people just shooting in the air and firing some shots off. We hear that every night in this neighborhood."
Wingfall described the driver as still alive and trying to talk when he and other witnesses stayed by his side.
"He was asking for some water because he kept saying he was thirsty, so he needed some water. Me and my wife, we just started praying for him, hoping that he would make it. But he didn’t make it. I’m sad to hear that," said Wingfall.
The Investigation
Detectives told KPRC 2 that the driver was using his mother’s car to make money for his education and was training to be a pilot. The police are working to identify the suspects and are asking for any witnesses and neighbors with surveillance videos in the area to come forward.
A Cry for Help
In response to the killing, Lyft sent KPRC 2 the following statement:
"Our hearts are with the driver’s family and loved ones in the midst of this terrible tragedy. We have reached out to offer support during this difficult time, and we are working with law enforcement on their ongoing investigation."
A Pattern of Crime
This incident is the third carjacking a rideshare driver has experienced in the last two weeks in the same neighborhood. HPD Homicide Detective Alexander Vinogradov said officers have been called out to this area previously for similar carjackings and are continuing their investigation to try and find the man’s killers.
A Call to Action
If you have any information about the incident or were in the area and saw something suspicious, please contact the police or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened to the rideshare driver?
A: The driver was robbed, shot, and carjacked overnight Wednesday on Houston’s southside.
Q: How did the driver die?
A: The driver died from his injuries at the hospital.
Q: What is being done to investigate the incident?
A: The Houston Police Department is working to identify the suspects and are asking for any witnesses and neighbors with surveillance videos in the area to come forward.
Q: What is Lyft’s response to the incident?
A: Lyft has reached out to offer support to the driver’s family and loved ones and is working with law enforcement on their ongoing investigation.
