On April 15, 2023, at approximately 2 a.m., Olatunji W. Bolaji, a 77-year-old Uber driver from Norristown, Pennsylvania, was fatally wounded while attempting to pick up a passenger outside Byblos Hookah Bar in Philadelphia. The tragic event unfolded when two unidentified men, who emerged from a vehicle parked behind Bolaji’s car, opened fire as the passenger, a 22-year-old male, entered the vehicle.
According to Philadelphia Chief Inspector Scott Small, the suspects fired at least four shots, striking Bolaji in the head and injuring the passenger in the arm, leg, and stomach. Despite sustaining serious injuries, Bolaji managed to drive away from the scene but unfortunately crashed shortly thereafter. Emergency responders arrived promptly and attempted life-saving measures; however, Bolaji was pronounced dead shortly after.
Casualty Information:
- Victim: Olatunji W. Bolaji
- Age: 77
- Status: Deceased
- Description: Remembered as a “loving partner and father” to a son.
- Passenger: Unidentified
- Age: 22
- Status: Critical condition, undergoing treatment at a local hospital.
Chief Inspector Small indicated that prior to the shooting, there was a physical altercation involving the passenger and the suspects. It appears that the passenger may have been the intended target of the attack. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with police working to gather more information regarding the motives behind the shooting and the identities of the assailants. The Philadelphia Police Department is actively investigating the incident and is offering a $20,000 reward for any information that leads to the arrest of the individuals responsible for the shooting. A family friend of Bolaji expressed their heartbreak over the loss, emphasizing the need for justice in light of what they described as a senseless murder.
Uber has also issued a statement expressing condolences to Bolaji’s family and loved ones, stating, “Our hearts break for the driver’s family and loved ones in the wake of this devastating loss. We’ve reached out to police to offer our support as they work to bring those responsible for this heinous act of violence to justice.
The fatal shooting of Olatunji W. Bolaji serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by rideshare drivers and the impact of gun violence in communities. As the investigation continues, the call for justice and accountability remains strong among Bolaji’s family, friends, and the community at large.
