Philadelphia police are actively searching for two suspects involved in a deadly shooting that claimed the life of 77-year-old Nigerian Uber driver
Olatunji Bolaji
and critically injured a 22-year-old man he was picking up.
The incident occurred early Wednesday morning, April 16, 2025, outside the Byblos restaurant and hookah lounge in the 100 block of 18th Street around 2 a.m. Authorities say the shooting followed a physical altercation between the 22-year-old and the suspects, shortly before gunfire erupted.
Chief Inspector Scott Small confirmed that surveillance footage shows the younger man, who had been leaving the hookah lounge, hugging people goodbye in front of a black SUV when the two suspects approached in a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Police say the suspects got out of the vehicle and engaged in a fight with the 22-year-old. During the altercation, at least one suspect fired four shots.
One of the bullets is believed to have struck Bolaji in the back of the head while he was driving. Despite being injured, he managed to drive a short distance before crashing into a light pole on Chestnut Street. Bolaji, who was from Norristown, was pronounced dead at the scene. “He was half in the driver’s seat, and his upper body was outside the vehicle,” said Small. “He suffered at least one gunshot wound to the back of his head.”
The 22-year-old man in the backseat of the vehicle was shot multiple times in the arm, stomach, and chest. He is currently in critical condition at a local hospital.
Bolaji’s family expressed their devastation over the loss, describing him as a hardworking father who was simply trying to make a living. “Our hearts break for the driver’s family and loved ones,” said a spokesperson for Uber. “We’ve reached out to police to offer our support as they work to bring those responsible for this heinous act of violence to justice.”
Witnesses reported seeing the suspects’ getaway vehicle, described as a dark-colored, newer model Jeep Grand Cherokee with possible Massachusetts license plates. The suspects were last seen driving on Sansom Street.
This tragic incident has raised concerns among local rideshare drivers about safety. Fabian Romero, a representative from the Independent Drivers Guild, which advocates for drivers nationwide, expressed outrage over the dangers faced by those working late-night shifts. “Right now, we’re forgotten. Nobody sees the things we live day by day,” he said, stressing the need for better safety protocols for rideshare drivers.
Locals in the area also voiced concern over the increasing gun violence. “I woke up to it, and it was the first thing I saw on my phone,” said Mino Brone, a resident of the neighborhood. “There’s never a dull moment on this street.” Michelle Kao, a local business owner, added, “It’s devastating. People should feel safe, especially in Rittenhouse, which is supposed to be a safe area. But this is really sad.”
Authorities are continuing their investigation and urging anyone with information about the suspects or the vehicle to come forward.