Uber passenger fatally shot in Greater Grand Crossing ID'd

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A passenger riding in an Uber was killed in a shooting in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood Monday morning.

The victim was a passenger sitting in a vehicle at a red light and 75th Street and Stony Island Avenue at about 2:10 a.m. when a tan-colored vehicle pulled up and someone inside opened fire, Chicago police said. The victim, a 34-year-old man, was shot in the head and neck.

A man who was working nearby heard several shots.

"I didn't know if the bullets were coming towards me or not. All I know is I hit the ground like I'm supposed to do. Got low," said witness Simmy Jackson.

The Uber driver rushed the man to Jackson Park Hospital, where police said he was pronounced dead. The blue 2008 Hyundai Sonata was still parked outside Jackson Park Hospital's emergency room Monday morning as a Chicago police squad car stood watch. The ride-share vehicle's rear window was gone, blown out by a spray of bullets.

The passenger has been identified to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office as Patrick George of Chicago. The Uber driver declined to be interviewed, still too shaken by the experience.

This latest incident involving the ride-share company highlights the dangers often faced by part-time drivers who aren't familiar with the neighborhoods they pick up their fares in.

"I try to avoid working the middle of the night. At night it's dangerous. Uber points that out, be cautious overnight. You make your money overnight. That's why most people do it, because you make more money at night. It's a gamble," Uber driver Tyieesha Davis said.

Uber released a statement that said: "We are saddened to hear of this horrifying incident and stand ready to provide any information to police for their investigation. We extend our thoughts to all those who are mourning the loss of their loved one."

Police said no one is in custody. Anyone with information that could aid the investigation is asked to contact Area South police detectives.