Disturbing safety footage exhibits the second a Uber driver was murdered because the gunmen appeared to have been concentrating on his passenger outdoors a Philadelphia hookah lounge.
Olatunji W. Bolaji, 77, was seen choosing up a 22-year-old passenger in his black Chevy Suburban in downtown Philadelphia outdoors the Byblos Hookah Bar on Wednesday at round 2 a.m. — moments earlier than the lethal capturing, in line with video obtained by NBC10.
The unidentified fare hugged a lady outdoors Bolaji’s automotive as two males jumped out of a Jeep Grand Cherokee with Massachusetts plates, police mentioned.
The lady is seen fleeing for security when she notices the suspects dashing in the direction of them with their weapons pointed on the passenger.
The rider then jumps into the SUV as the boys encompass him from the entrance and the again of the car.
One of many suspects is then seen pointing his gun into the car and firing, hitting Bolaji within the head and the passenger within the arm, leg and stomach, police instructed the outlet.
Regardless of being shot within the head, Bolaji managed to drive away however ended up crashing into a light-weight pole a block away.
He was pronounced useless on the scene.
Police took the passenger to Jefferson College Hospital in essential situation.
Chief Inspector Scott Small instructed CBS Information that there was “definitely a physical altercation” between the suspects and the passenger earlier than Bolaji got here to select up the rider.
The suspects have but to be recognized and stay at massive.
Police mentioned detectives are investigating the capturing and are providing a $20,000 reward for info that results in an arrest and conviction of the shooters.
A neighbor who lived subsequent to Bolaji for seven years described him as a hard-working, pleasant man from a quiet, respectful household. He leaves behind a son and a associate.
He mentioned the driving force beloved working for Uber, and his household is distraught over his homicide.
“Our hearts break for the driver’s family and loved ones in the wake of this devastating loss,” Uber mentioned in a press release to NBC10.
“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.”
There have been 58 homicides throughout town because the begin of 2025, in line with statistics offered by the Philadelphia Police Division. There have been 81 complete homicides in Philly in 2024.
Town has additionally had 446 capturing incidents this 12 months, leading to 239 victims as of April 17.
In 2024, town had a complete of 635 shootings leading to 296 victims.
