A 77-year-old Nigerian-born Uber driver, Olatunji W. Bolaji, has been shot dead in an ambush while picking up a passenger outside a hookah bar in Philadelphia, United States.
Bolaji, who resided in Norristown, Pennsylvania, was attacked around 1:56 a.m. on Wednesday, April 15, near the Byblos Hookah Lounge, according to CBS News.
Philadelphia Police said Bolaji had just arrived at the lounge to pick up a 22-year-old male passenger when two gunmen emerged from a car parked behind his vehicle and opened fire.
Philadelphia Chief Inspector Scott Small said the suspects fired “at least four times,” hitting Bolaji in the head and striking the passenger in the arm, leg and stomach.
Despite his critical injuries, Bolaji reportedly managed to drive away from the scene but crashed shortly after. Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures at the crash site, but he was pronounced dead.
The passenger, who remains unnamed, is currently in critical condition and receiving treatment at a local hospital, NBC10 Philadelphia reported.
Preliminary investigations revealed that a physical altercation had occurred between the passenger and the suspects before the shooting.
“It appears that right before the shots were fired, there was some sort of physical altercation. It also appears that someone in that vehicle was targeted,” Chief Inspector Small stated.
The assailants reportedly fled in a Jeep Grand Cherokee bearing Massachusetts license plates. As of press time, they remain at large.
The Philadelphia Police Department is offering a $20,000 reward for any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.
Bolaji has been remembered by loved ones as a devoted father and caring partner. A family friend told NBC10 they were “heartbroken” and called for justice for the “man who was senselessly murdered.”
Ride-hailing company Uber, in a statement to CBS News, said, “Our hearts break for the driver’s family and loved ones in the wake of this devastating loss. We’ve reached out to police to offer our support.”
Further inquiries to both Uber and the Philadelphia Police Department were still pending as of the time of this report.
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