by Lawrenceville, Georgia — A 15-year-old boy has been charged as an adult with murder following the fatal shooting of an Uber driver during an early-morning carjacking on New Year’s Day in suburban Atlanta, authorities said.
The victim, Cesar Tejada, 58, of Grayson, Georgia, was working as an Uber driver when he was shot and left in the roadway, according to the Lawrenceville Police Department. Police said Tejada was a husband and father of two.
Driver found shot in roadway early New Year’s Day
Police were called around 5:20 a.m. on Jan. 1 after receiving reports of a person lying in the roadway in a residential area of Lawrenceville, roughly 30 miles northeast of Atlanta.
When officers arrived, they found Tejada suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators later determined that the shooting occurred during a carjacking, shortly after Tejada completed a ride for a passenger earlier that morning.
Police detail moments leading up to the shooting
According to investigators, Tejada picked up the suspect at approximately 4:13 a.m. and drove him to Groveland Parkway. Police said that once the vehicle stopped, the suspect exited the back seat, shot Tejada, and fled, leaving the driver in the road.
Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the shooting, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Teen suspect tracked using camera technology
Detectives used FLOCK license plate camera technology along with assistance from Uber to track Tejada’s vehicle after the shooting.
Police said the vehicle was traced back to the area where the ride originated. Officers later spotted a person matching the suspect’s description walking in the roadway near his residence, where he was taken into custody without incident.
The suspect was identified as Christian Simmons, 15. Police initially withheld his identity due to his age.
Simmons has since been charged as an adult with murder, authorities confirmed.
Uber responds to driver’s death
Uber released a statement expressing condolences to Tejada’s family and said it is cooperating with law enforcement.
“We’re saddened by this devastating loss, and our condolences go out to the driver’s family during this incredibly difficult time,” an Uber spokesperson said. “We’ve been in contact with the Lawrenceville Police Department to help support their investigation.”
Uber also confirmed that the rider account associated with the incident has been permanently banned.
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Safety features highlighted amid investigation
Following the fatal incident, Uber noted that it employs former law enforcement professionals to assist with investigations and provides multiple in-app safety tools, including:
- Emergency assistance button
- GPS trip tracking
- Rider verification features
Despite those measures, the company acknowledged the tragedy and said it continues to work with authorities.
Community reacts to loss of father and husband
Police described Tejada as a dedicated family man and extended condolences to his loved ones.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family,” police said, noting the devastating impact of the crime on the community.
The shooting adds to growing concerns nationwide over violence against rideshare drivers, particularly during late-night and early-morning hours.
Investigation ongoing
Authorities say the case remains under investigation, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Lawrenceville Police Department.
Prosecutors have not yet announced whether additional charges may be filed or when Simmons will make his next court appearance.
As the legal process moves forward, the case raises broader questions about youth violence, public safety, and protections for gig workers.
Do you think rideshare drivers are adequately protected while on the job? Should more safety measures be required for late-night trips? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion.
