A Georgia man was shot and injured after he allegedly impersonated a police officer as he followed a ride-share driver on Sunday.
According to the reports, the incident took place on Sunday night in Atlanta’s Buckhead area after the suspect identified as Wiggins-Younger followed 21-year-old Tyriq Qwadere and attempted to stop her from leaving the area after she dropped off her passenger around 11:30 p.m.
Although the woman was able to escape and drive out of the area, Wiggins-Younger allegedly pursued her until she crashed.
In a 911 audio that was recently released, the driver told authorities about the incident.
“I’m on Lenox Road. They keep following me. I don’t know who this (expletive) is but they keep following me. I’m trying to find a policeman.”
In a police report filed by the victim, it was revealed that Wiggins-Younger allegedly “claimed to be an off-duty officer attempting to make a traffic stop.” However, the 21-year old was suspicious and afraid, so she shot him.
The suspect was later taken to a nearby hospital in stable condition and is currently facing charges that include “aggravated assault, impersonating a police officer, possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug related objects.”
Meanwhile, the rideshare driver is not yet facing any charges as she’s currently being investigated whether the shooting was an act of self-defense or not.
“We’re still trying to determine if this was self defense, or what actually took place. In this case we do believe that the person in the dark-colored vehicle (the woman) was scared and just trying to get away from this person,” Atlanta Police Public Information Officer, Karlo Peek said.
However, Uber reportedly suspended Qwadere from the ride-share platform while the company investigated.
In an official statement released by Uber, the spokesperson claimed that the company has removed app access for the driver. The company also added that they will re-evaluate her status only if she can submit written clearance from law enforcement that she is not being charged.
“The reported details are frightening, and we’re relieved the driver was unharmed. We’re in touch with the driver as we continue to look into this incident. We’re standing by to assist law enforcement on their investigation.” the spokesperson said.
