NORTH ARLINGTON, NJ – An Uber driver’s routine evening took a terrifying turn when a passenger pulled a gun in the back seat, nearly costing the driver his life. The unsettling incident unfolded in North Arlington, New Jersey, when the driver picked up a passenger in Belleville who seemed distressed and agitated.
According to the driver’s sister, who spoke on his behalf, the passenger appeared to be in emotional turmoil, muttering about personal issues involving his partner. The situation escalated when the passenger began loading a gun while seated in the back of the Uber. The driver heard the unmistakable sound of bullets being loaded into the chamber, heightening the tension inside the vehicle.
In a moment of panic, the gun discharged, narrowly missing the driver’s head by mere centimeters. Seizing the opportunity to escape, the driver exited the vehicle, leaving the armed passenger in the back seat. The suspect then moved to the front and sped away with the car, leaving the driver in shock and disbelief.
The incident drew a swift response from local law enforcement, with officers converging on the area where the stolen vehicle was last seen. The confrontation between police and the suspect led to a shooting, resulting in serious injuries. Details about the condition of the suspect and any officers involved remain undisclosed.
The New Jersey State Attorney General’s Office has launched an investigation into the police shooting, as is protocol in cases involving the discharge of officers’ firearms. The Uber driver, meanwhile, is left grappling with the trauma of the encounter, grateful to have survived such a close brush with danger.
Family members expressed relief that the driver emerged from the ordeal unharmed, emphasizing their gratitude for his safety. As the investigation continues, the driver is expected to take time to recover from the frightening experience.
The community remains on edge as they await further updates from authorities. Officials have yet to release additional information about the suspect or the circumstances leading to the police shooting.