Lyft driver shoots 2 carjacking suspects in Philadelphia, police say

WEST PHILADELPHIA — A Lyft driver in West Philadelphia shot and critically wounded two suspected carjackers Monday afternoon, police confirmed.

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Authorities said that the driver, who has not been identified publicly, exited his 2011 Infiniti after being rear-ended by a Honda Accord just before 2:45 p.m., WCAU reported.

According to KYW-TV, the driver then exited the Infiniti and was approached by a man who exited the Honda holding a shotgun. The shotgun-wielding man then took the Lyft driver’s car.

The Lyft driver, who has a valid permit to carry a firearm, pulled out his own gun and fired at the gunman, police said. A second suspect who was inside the Accord then attempted to run the Lyft driver over, prompting the victim to fire on the second suspect, WCAU reported.

The suspects then fled in both vehicles, WCAU reported.

According to the TV station, the shotgun-wielding suspect was later found inside the Infiniti suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest, while the second suspect was found inside the Accord suffering from a gunshot wound to the right side of his rib cage.

Both suspects are currently listed in critical condition at an area hospital, and both have been arrested, KYW-TV reported.

The Lyft driver was not injured during the incident.

In a statement issued Tuesday night, Lyft said: “Safety is fundamental to Lyft, and the incident described is deeply troubling. We have been in touch with both the rider and driver to offer our support and have reached out to law enforcement to offer our assistance.”

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