An Uber Eats driver has been charged with murder following the shooting of a customer on Saturday in Atlanta, Georgia.
Authorities claim that 36-year-old Robert Bivines opened fire on 30-year-old Ryan Thornton late Saturday night. Several witnesses told police that after Bivine delivered the alleged victim his meal, he fired multiple shots and then fled the scene.
Bivines turned himself in on Monday, his attorney Jackie Patterson says.
Patterson told The Washington Post, ‘There’s no question that my client was defending himself.’
‘It was clear self-defense,’ he adds.
According to Bivine’s account the customer had become aggressive, reaching into his coat pocket and charging the driver.
Law enforcement responded to the scene about 11:30pm Saturday as the victim was being rushed to hospital.
Witnesses told police that Thornton had used Uber Eats to order a meal. They claim that when the delivery arrived he met the driver and received his order. Police then claim ‘words may have been exchanged’ between the two men.
Police further claim shots were fired from the delivery vehicle.
An Uber spokesman said that the company is cooperating with investigators in the shooting.
‘We are shocked and saddened by this news,’ the spokesman said in a statement. ‘We are working with the Atlanta Police Department, and our hearts go out to the families of those involved.’
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