AKRON, OH – A local rideshare driver is recovering after being shot multiple times during a late-night pickup in Akron last week, authorities said.
According to police, the 39-year-old woman was working as an Uber driver on July 17 when she collected two men near the 500 block of Sanford Avenue, just after 9:30 p.m. The trip took a violent turn when one of the passengers allegedly pulled out a firearm and opened fire, hitting the driver six times in the abdomen and arm.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene following several 911 calls from concerned neighbors who reported gunshots and found the woman on the ground. The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she underwent treatment. Police described her condition as stable as of last week.
The shooting led to an intensive manhunt. It wasn’t until almost a week later that law enforcement officials made an arrest in the case. The U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force located and detained 18-year-old Jaiden Palmer on Shaw Avenue. He is now facing charges of felonious assault and aggravated robbery and is currently being held at the Summit County Jail.
Investigators said both suspects fled on foot following the attack, leaving the driver behind. It’s unclear if the second man has been identified or if authorities plan additional arrests.
Police have not released the name of the victim, but her survival after sustaining six gunshot wounds has drawn community attention and outpourings of support.
The incident has also raised concerns among local ride-share drivers and prompted calls for heightened vigilance and safety measures. Akron police emphasized the importance of drivers trusting their instincts and contacting authorities if they sense danger or anything unusual before accepting a ride.
While Uber and other ride-share services offer some safety resources, incidents like this have sparked ongoing debates about protection for gig economy workers and steps they can take when they feel threatened.
Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and are encouraging anyone with information to come forward.
The arrest of Palmer marks a significant development in the investigation, but authorities said their work is not over as they continue to search for additional evidence and possible suspects.