Authorities in Houston are searching for three suspects after a rideshare driver was robbed, shot, and carjacked early Wednesday morning on the city’s southside. The victim’s vehicle was later found abandoned in a ditch just blocks away from the crime scene.
According to Houston police, officers responded to a call around 2 a.m. after a 27-year-old man working for Lyft was found with multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Eyewitness Account
Local resident Isaac Wingfall, who heard the gunshots, rushed to assist the victim.
“I was very afraid. At first, I thought it was just some people shooting in the air. We hear that every night in this neighborhood,” Wingfall said.
He and others stayed with the injured driver, who was still alive and pleading for water before he succumbed to his injuries.
“Me and my wife just started praying for him, hoping he would make it. But he didn’t. I’m sad to hear that,” Wingfall added.
Carjacking and Ongoing Investigation
Witnesses told police that the victim was pulled out of his car, robbed, and shot several times before the attackers fled in his vehicle. The car was later discovered abandoned on Goforth Street near Dreyfus, just a few blocks from where the crime occurred.
Detectives revealed that the victim was using his mother’s car to earn money for his education and had been training to become a pilot.
In response to the tragedy, Lyft issued a statement expressing condolences:
“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 are working with law enforcement on their ongoing investigation.”
Pattern of Rideshare Attacks in Houston
According to Houston Police Department Homicide Detective Alexander Vinogradov, officers have previously responded to similar carjackings in the same area. Authorities confirmed that this is the third carjacking involving a rideshare driver in the neighborhood within the last two weeks.
Investigators are urging witnesses and residents with surveillance footage to come forward. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Houston police or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477).
