A 15-year-old inGeorgiais accused of ordering anUber ridewith the intent of carjacking the driver, leading to thedeathof a man on New Year's Day.
Around 5 a.m. on Jan. 1,Lawrenceville Policewere called to Groveland Parkway with reports of a person lying in the road, according to a news release.
The man had a gunshot wound and was declared dead on the scene. Police identified him as 58-year-old Cesar Tejada, a husband and father of two who was "working as an Uber driver to provide for his family."
Camera captures deadly moments
A nearby Ring camera captured a black SUV pulling up in the street, and with FLOCK camera technology and in collaboration with Uber, police were able to piece the night together.
Around 4:13 a.m., Tejada picked up a man on Rangewood Drive and drove him to Groveland Parkway, according to police.
When the car stopped, the passenger stepped out of the back of the vehicle before shooting Tejada in the driver's seat and then leaving him in the road.
The Uber rider then got into the car and drove away.
Police later tracked the car to the same area where the passenger had been picked up. As officers surveilled the area, their person of interest came out of his home and walked into the road where he was arrested.
15-year-old charged as adult
The passenger and accused shooter was identified as 15-year-old Christian Simmons. He was charged with murder, and is being charged as an adult, police said.
In astatementto news outlets, a representative for Uber said, "We're saddened by this devastating loss, and our condolences go out to the driver's family during this incredibly difficult time. We've been in contact with the Lawrenceville Police Department to help support their investigation."
Uber also said the rider's account has been banned, but that account has not been confirmed as belonging to Simmons.
Police called the violent carjacking "senseless," but commended the speed in which the passenger was identified and taken into custody.
Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today's Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Teen accused of fatally carjacking Uber driver outside Atlanta
