GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Lawrenceville police identified the victim and suspect in the killing of an Uber driver in an apparent carjacking.
A police spokesperson said Friday that Cesar Tejada, 58 years old, was killed Thursday. Investigators said 15-year-old Christian Simmons of Lilburn shot the driver after being taken to the requested destination.
“Mr. Tejada was working as an Uber driver to provide for his family,” police said in a statement. “We extend our deepest condolences to the Tejada family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Police said they believe the motive was a carjacking, and the driver and passenger did not have an argument. The suspect was taken into custody hours later about 10 miles away from the scene of the killing, and he will be charged as an adult.
A video likely played a critical role in helping police make an arrest within hours of Tejada’s killing Thursday.
Channel 2’s Cory James spoke with a neighbor who says his dad happened to see the body in the middle of the road while heading out for work.
Hieu Lee is still processing seeing a body lying in front of his home on New Years Day.
“He was lifeless,” he said.
“Horrible, scary, we’re still shocked,” Lee said.
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It happened on Groveland Parkway in Lawrenceville. Ring camera video captured a black SUV pulling up around 4:30 a.m. Thursday.
The driver stops then the trunk opens and the driver gets out. A couple minutes go by, and the driver takes off leaving the man on the ground.
Video from 15 minutes later showed the same vehicle returning to the scene and stopping next to the body.
“It’s a suburban neighborhood. You don’t get any of that here,” Lee said.
Lawrenceville police say Tejada was carjacked and shot at least once.
Investigators say nearly eight hours later, advanced technology led them to Hardwood Circle in Lilburn about 10 miles away. That’s where officers tell us they found the SUV and made the arrest.
“Fifteen-year-old kid, for somebody that young to do something like that, I have no words,” Lee said.
Uber released a statement:
We’re saddened by this devastating loss, and our condolences go out to the driver’s family during this incredibly difficult time. We’ve been in contact with the Lawrenceville Police Department to help support their investigation.
— Uber
Lee says he is just heartbroken for the victim’s family, a family now starting the year off grieving an unexpected loss.
“It’s so sad. That’s somebody’s grandfather just working a job,” he said.
Uber says the rider’s account has been banned. It’s unclear if that person is the teenager who was arrested or someone else.
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