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Teen Charged as Adult in Murder of Uber Driver in Carjacking on New Year’s Day

Lawrenceville Police Department building featuring modern architecture and prominent signage, located in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

Lawrenceville Police Department building featuring modern architecture and prominent signage, located in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

A 15-year-old male was charged with murder as an adult, of an Uber driver, after a carjacking on the early New Year’s Day morning.

The driver was discovered dead after he was shot in Lawrenceville, a suburb of Atlanta. His vehicle was stolen by the suspect.

Cesar Tejada, 58 years old, was identified as the victim. He was driving for Uber when the shooting happened, according to the Lawrenceville Police Department. The police also said that Tejada left behind two children.

Police arrived on the scene at about 5:20 am on New Year’s Day after someone reported a person lying in the street in Lawrenceville. The police found him after he was shot and died at the scene.

Fox News Reported:

A 15-year-old boy has been charged as an adult with murder after an Uber driver was found shot to death early New Year’s Day after a carjacking in a suburban Atlanta community, authorities said.

The victim was identified as Cesar Tejada, 58, of Grayson, Georgia, who was working as an Uber driver at the time of the shooting, according to a release from the Lawrenceville Police Department. Authorities said that Tejada was a father of two.

Police responded around 5:20 a.m. Jan. 1 to a report of a person lying in the roadway in the suburban community of Lawrenceville, which is approximately 30 miles northeast of Atlanta. Officers found Tejada suffering from a gunshot wound, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Investigators determined that Tejada had picked up the suspect around 4:13 a.m. and transported him to Groveland Parkway. Police said the suspect exited the back seat, shot Tejada and left him in the road before fleeing the scene.” Fox News Reported.

Police detectives worked with Uber and used camera technology to find the location where the Uber ride began. Police were able to find and detain a suspect, 15-year-old Christian Simmons, who was seen walking on a road near his home.

Authorities originally did not release his name since he was a minor, but have since due to being charged as an adult.

A spokesperson for Uber had reached out to Fox News and released a statement.

“We’re saddened by this devastating loss, and our condolences go out to the driver’s family during this incredibly difficult time,” the spokesperson said. “We’ve been in contact with the Lawrenceville Police Department to help support their investigation.” Fox News Reported.

Uber said that the account tied to the alleged murderer had been permanently banned. They also said that they have employees with previous law enforcement experience to help with investigations. They also have safety features in their app, which include an emergency button, rider verification, and GPS.

The investigation is ongoing. Police encourage anyone to contact them if they have further information.

The post Teen Charged as Adult in Murder of Uber Driver in Carjacking on New Year’s Day appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.