NOTE: This story is updated from an earlier version.
An early-morning shooting in Denver, CO, today is expected to raise questions about a major ride-share company’s positions on guns and whether they allow their drivers to carry their firearms while on the job.
Police there have arrested a 29-year old man reportedly working for Uber in connection with the incident, which forced a lengthy closure of a major freeway and impacted thousands of morning commuters on their way to work.
According to KUSA-TV, Michael Hancock has been arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder after police say he allegedly shot a passenger in his vehicle around 3 this morning Mountain Time. The passenger, reported the TV station, was taken to a nearby hospital, where he died. Hancock, who was driving the car, was also injured, but treated and released. Police told KUSA, stressing the information was preliminary in nature, that Hancock had shot the passenger after the two engaged in some kind of confrontation, the nature of which is still being looked into by police. It is not clear whether the person who was shot was a fare-paying customer of Hancock’s, but that he has had an association with the ride-sharing service could raise the gun questions for Uber, which is becoming an increasingly popular transportation option in many major cities in the United States.
The TV station did report that the company has a prohibition on drivers and passengers carrying guns while in vehicles being used for the service.
Hancock’s parents told KUSA he is a valid concealed carry permit holder as a result of previous employment as a security guard.
The shooting and subsequent investigation took place on Interstate 25, a section of which near the Denver University campus was closed following the incident. The road has since re-opened.
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