Teen Arrested for Fatal Shooting of Afghan Interpreter Turned Lyft Driver

Alexandria, Virginia – A tragic incident unfolded in July 2023 when a Lyft driver, Nasrat Ahmad Yar, was fatally shot during an attempted car theft. The 31-year-old had served as an interpreter for U.S. Army Special Forces in Afghanistan for a decade before eventually resettling with his family in Virginia.

Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department expressed sorrow over the loss, highlighting Ahmad Yar’s dedication to both his service in the military and his role as a driver. The violent act, committed by a group of young suspects, left a family shattered and a community in mourning.

After diligent investigation, law enforcement officials made an arrest on Friday, apprehending a 15-year-old boy in connection with Ahmad Yar’s murder. Assistant Chief Leslie Parsons emphasized the gravity of the situation, pointing out how the reckless behavior of the teens had dire consequences for an innocent man and his loved ones.

The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, leaving Ahmad Yar’s family and friends devastated and in disbelief, both in the United States and in Afghanistan. Mohammad Ahmadi, Ahmad Yar’s cousin, described the impact of the tragedy on their relatives overseas, emphasizing the shock and disbelief felt by those who knew and loved him.

The arrest of the young suspect raises questions about the juvenile justice system and potential charges in this case. Whether the teenager will be tried as an adult is yet to be determined, as legal proceedings continue to unfold in the aftermath of the devastating loss of Nasrat Ahmad Yar.

As the community mourns the senseless act of violence that took the life of a dedicated individual, the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting continues, with authorities committed to seeking justice for Ahmad Yar and his grieving family.