A 77-year-old Nigerian immigrant and Uber driver, Olatunji Bolaji, was tragically shot and killed early Wednesday morning while picking up a passenger outside a popular hookah lounge in Philadelphia.
According to Philadelphia Police, the fatal shooting occurred around 2 a.m. outside the Byblos restaurant and hookah lounge located on the 100 block of 18th Street.
Bolaji was behind the wheel of his black SUV when gunfire erupted as he picked up a 22-year-old passenger who had just exited the lounge.
“It appears that right before the shots were fired, there was some sort of physical altercation,” said Chief Inspector Scott Small.
ABC reports that surveillance footage shows the younger man embracing people goodbye outside the SUV when two suspects sprinted toward them.
As the passenger entered the backseat, a dark-coloured Jeep Grand Cherokee pulled up behind Bolaji’s vehicle. Two men exited and began fighting with the passenger.
At least one of the attackers pulled out a gun and fired four rounds. Investigators believe one of the bullets pierced the headrest, striking Bolaji fatally in the back of the head.
Despite being gravely wounded, Bolaji managed to drive a short distance around the corner to Chestnut Street, where his SUV crashed into a light pole.
“A 77-year-old male was half in the driver’s seat and his upper body was outside, lying on the street,” said Small.
“He was suffering from at least one gunshot wound to the back of his head.”
Bolaji, who resided in Norristown, Pennsylvania, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The 22-year-old passenger sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the arm, stomach, and chest. He remains in critical condition at a nearby hospital.
However, Philadelphia police are actively searching for the suspects.
Meanwhile, witnesses described the getaway vehicle as a newer model dark-coloured Jeep Grand Cherokee, possibly with Massachusetts license plates. The vehicle was last seen heading toward Sansom Street.
Uber released a statement mourning the loss, “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 as they work to bring those responsible for this heinous act of violence to justice,” a company spokesperson said.
Family members of Bolaji described him as a hardworking father who was simply doing his job to earn a living. Friends and fellow rideshare drivers are grieving and calling for improved safety protocols.
“I’m so sorry that somebody had to lose his life over this. I just hope it’s not one of the guys that I used to talk to,” said a fellow rideshare driver who often works the late-night shift.
Fabian Romero, of the Independent Drivers Guild, emphasised the dangers faced by rideshare workers, especially those working late hours.
“Right now, we’re forgotten. Nobody sees the things we live day by day,” Romero said.
“We support [Bolaji’s] family. If there’s anything we can do, we’re going to do it. We’re going to fight with the companies to get a better system or a better way to make a living for us.”
The tragedy has also shaken local residents and business owners in the Rittenhouse neighbourhood.
“I woke up to it and it was the first thing I saw on my phone. There’s never a dull moment on this street, you know,” said Mino Brone, who lives and works nearby.
“It’s devastating,” added Michelle Kao, a local spa owner. “A lot of people take Ubers back and forth, especially because of the trains. You should feel safe, especially in Rittenhouse. But this is really sad.”
Police are urging anyone with information or video evidence to come forward as they work to apprehend the suspects involved in the senseless killing.
