Union City, Ga. – Authorities are currently investigating the tragic murder of a Lyft driver that occurred early Wednesday morning in Union City. The victim, identified as Reginald T. Folks, 35, was fatally shot on South Fulton Parkway near Stonewall Tell Road.
When police arrived at the scene, they found the accused shooter, Koby Minor, still present. Minor allegedly shot Folks while he was giving him a ride to his residence, the motive behind the shooting remains unclear at this time. Minor has since been arrested and is currently facing charges of murder and aggravated assault at the Fulton County Jail.
In a surprising turn of events, it was revealed that Minor is a former officer with the Atlanta Police Department. He resigned from his position immediately following his arrest. This revelation has sparked questions about Minor’s background, as he had been on leave without pay since a previous arrest in Milton in December 2023.
Lyft, the ridesharing company for which Folks worked, expressed their condolences to his family in a statement to local news outlets. They have also taken action by permanently banning the rider’s account involved in the incident from their platform. The company stands ready to assist law enforcement with their investigation into the matter.
This tragic incident has not only shaken the Union City community but also raised concerns about the safety of rideshare drivers. With the perpetrator being a former law enforcement officer, questions about background checks for potential drivers have come to the forefront. Authorities are working diligently to determine the circumstances that led to this senseless act of violence.
As the investigation unfolds, the community mourns the loss of a dedicated Lyft driver while grappling with the shocking revelation of the accused shooter’s background. The case serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those in the gig economy, highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures in the industry to prevent such tragedies in the future.