Uber Driver Fatally Shot On Detroit's West Side; Gunman At Large
DETROIT (WWJ) - An Uber driver was shot and killed over the weekend on Detroit's west side in what is the latest in a string of incidents involving drivers from the ride-hailing service in Michigan.
Modou Diagne was found fatally shot just after 12 a.m. Saturday after his car crashed near the intersection of Joy Road and Livernois Avenue.
When officers first arrived on the scene, they initially suspected drunk driving but instead found that Diagne, 50, had been shot twice while behind the wheel.
Police are still searching for suspects and aren't sure why Diagne might have been targeted. Investigators say the only thing missing from Diagne's vehicle was his cell phone.
Diagne, who was originally from Senegal, had been an Uber driver for the past three years. He leaves behind a pregnant wife and three children. Police are still searching for suspects.
An Uber spokeswoman said they were greatly saddened to hear of Diagne's death.
"His wife, children and family are in our prayers and hearts during this unimaginably difficult time," said a statement from Uber. "We've been in contact with local police to offer our assistance as they work to bring the perpetrator to justice."
Police are still searching for suspects. Anyone with information is urged to contact police at 313-267-4600 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.
Uber has been connected to recent incidents across the state involving their drivers. Last week, two East Lansing Uber drivers were arrested on charges of criminal sexual conduct for inappropriately touching female passengers.
In another case, Jason Dalton is charged with killing six people near Kalamazoo while taking fares as an Uber driver. Dalton has told investigators he was being controlled by the Uber app through his cellphone.