Fresno Uber Driver Shot Near South Tupman Street, Hospitalized
A 40 year old Uber driver was found shot in his car near South Tupman Street on November 28, and he was hospitalized in critical condition. The shooting occurred while the driver was picking up a passenger, and Fresno police say investigators believe it was an isolated altercation, making this a public safety and economic concern for local residents and gig workers.
Fresno police responded to a report of a shooting the evening of November 28 after a 40 year old Uber driver was discovered suffering a gunshot wound to the back of the head in his vehicle near South Tupman Street at about 8:15 p.m. The driver was conscious enough to give officers limited information at the scene and was transported to a hospital in critical condition. Detectives continued the investigation into the incident and had not released suspect information in the initial report.
Investigators told reporters they believe the episode was an isolated altercation that took place while the driver was picking up a passenger. That assessment shaped the early investigative approach, with homicide and robbery units handling evidence collection and canvassing the area for surveillance video and witnesses. The lack of a known suspect or motive left neighbors and drivers waiting for more details as detectives pursued leads.
The incident has immediate local consequences. Rideshare drivers in Fresno regularly work evenings to cover demand from restaurants, entertainment venues, and shift workers. A violent attack during a pickup raises concerns about driver safety and income stability for gig workers who cannot easily shift schedules without losing earnings. If some drivers reduce evening hours out of safety concerns the supply of available rides could shrink, putting upward pressure on wait times and fares for passengers.
Public safety resources are also affected. A complex criminal probe draws investigative time and patrol attention, and the community may ask for increased patrols near late night pickup zones and for targeted safety measures such as improved lighting and camera access. City officials, law enforcement and rideshare companies face choices about whether to expand safety features, promote safer pickup locations, or increase outreach to drivers about risk mitigation.
For now Fresno residents should expect a heightened police presence in the area as detectives pursue leads, and drivers and passengers alike may want to take extra precautions when using rideshare services late at night. Police asked anyone with information related to the case to contact the Fresno Police Department so investigators can move toward identifying a suspect and delivering answers to the family and to the community.
