Tragic Carjacking Claims Life of Local Uber Driver in Lawrenceville

In a deeply saddening turn of events, the Lawrenceville community is mourning the loss of 58-year-old Uber driver Cesar Tejada, who was fatally shot during a carjacking early on New Year’s Day. According to Patch, Tejada was found lying in the roadway on Groveland Parkway around 5:15 a.m. on January 1, a victim of a violent crime that has shaken the neighborhood.

Tejada, a dedicated father and husband from Grayson, was simply trying to provide for his family by working as an Uber driver. Tragically, it was during one of these rides that he picked up a 15-year-old passenger, identified as Christian Simmons. After dropping Simmons off, police say he was shot and left in the street. The incident unfolded quickly, with police arriving on the scene after receiving reports of a person down.

Authorities reviewed Ring camera footage which helped them piece together the events of that morning. They soon identified Tejada’s SUV and tracked it back to a home in Lilburn, where Simmons was later apprehended without incident.

The Lawrenceville Police Department has charged Simmons as an adult with murder, a decision that underscores the severity of this tragic event. The department expressed heartfelt condolences to Tejada’s family during this incredibly difficult time, highlighting the impact his loss has had on those who knew him.

As the community comes to terms with this dreadful incident, many are left reflecting on the importance of safety and support for one another. This tragedy serves as a reminder of the unexpected dangers that can arise in our everyday lives.

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Originally reported by Patch