Philadelphia authorities are investigating a deadly shooting that claimed the life of a 77-year-old Uber driver and critically injured his passenger early Wednesday morning, April 16.
The incident occurred around 2 a.m. on South 18th Street near Chestnut Street, where Olatunji W. Bolaji, of Norristown, was parked in his black Chevy Suburban, waiting to pick up a passenger outside a lounge. As 22-year-old passenger approached and opened the car door, two armed men ran toward the vehicle and opened fire.
Bolaji was struck in the head but managed to drive a short distance before his vehicle jumped the curb and crashed into a light pole. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger sustained gunshot wounds to the arm, leg, and abdomen, and was transported to the hospital in critical condition.
Surveillance footage shows four individuals leaving the lounge and approaching the Suburban. Moments later, the two gunmen are seen firing at the vehicle. Investigators believe a prior altercation between the passenger and suspects may have led to the attack.
Police said the suspects fled in a dark-colored Jeep Grand Cherokee with Massachusetts license plates. The Philadelphia Police Homicide Unit is actively investigating the case, and no arrests have been made as of yet.
Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Philadelphia Police Department. A $20,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.