Daijiworld Media Network - Lawrenceville

Lawrenceville, Jan 2: Lawrenceville police have identified the victim and suspect in the fatal shooting of an Uber driver in what appears to have been a carjacking.

Authorities said 58-year-old Cesar Tejada was killed Thursday after being shot by 15-year-old Christian Simmons of Lilburn. Police believe the motive was a carjacking, and there was no argument between Tejada and his passenger. The suspect was arrested within hours, about 10 miles from the scene, and will be charged as an adult.

Police indicated that video footage played a key role in tracking down the suspect. Ring camera footage from Groveland Parkway captured a black SUV arriving around 4:30 a.m., the driver exiting the car, and a man left lying on the ground. Video from 15 minutes later showed the same vehicle returning to the scene.

Neighbor Hieu Lee said he saw the body while heading out for work on New Year’s Day. “He was lifeless. Horrible, scary, we’re still shocked,” Lee said. “It’s so sad. That’s somebody’s grandfather just working a job.”

Lawrenceville police confirmed Tejada was carjacked and shot at least once. Advanced technology led officers to Hardwood Circle in Lilburn, where the SUV and the suspect were located.

Uber has confirmed the rider’s account has been banned, though it remains unclear if the account belongs to the arrested teenager. The community remains in shock over the incident.