An Uber driver survived a late-night shooting in Philadelphia’s Holmesburg section on Wednesday when at least 14 bullets struck his vehicle moments after picking up passengers, according to local police and reporting by WPVI.
Shooting at Torresdale and Shelmire Avenues
According to the Philadelphia Police Department, the shooting occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. at the intersection of Torresdale and Shelmire avenues. The driver, who spoke to WPVI on the condition of anonymity, described entering immediate survival mode as rapid gunfire erupted around his car.
“Grateful to be alive. I thought the passengers lit off a firework. It happened so quickly and the gunshots were very rapid,” the driver told WPVI.
Moments after the gunfire started, a passenger in the back seat stated, “I’m shot,” according to the driver’s account. While full of adrenaline and initially unsure if he had been struck himself, the driver noticed blood on his arm from cuts caused by shattered glass from the passenger window.
Hospital Arrival and Passenger Condition
Using his GPS during the chaos, the driver navigated directly to Nazareth Hospital in Northeast Philadelphia. Upon arrival at the medical facility, he observed multiple bullet holes lining the side of his vehicle.
According to WPVI, police confirmed that a 34-year-old man in the vehicle sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. That victim is said to be in stable condition.
Driver Reassesses Rideshare Career
Reflecting on the violent encounter outside the hospital, the driver stated that the incident would likely end his career driving for the platform. “I’m a new Uber driver and I prefer working late nights, and I think this is going to be my last night of working Uber,” he told WPVI, adding that he expects to feel shaken up for quite some time.
Detectives with the Philadelphia Police Department are actively investigating the shooting to determine what prompted the gunfire and to identify those responsible.
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