Officer shoots and kills Lyft driver giving him a ride, Georgia police say
A Lyft driver was shot dead while giving a passenger a ride, Georgia authorities said. Now, an Atlanta police officer is charged in his death.
Now-former officer Koby Minor resigned Wednesday, May 15, after he was arrested in Union City, the Atlanta Police Department said in a news release.
Minor, who joined APD in 2018, had been on leave following a December 2023 arrest on unrelated charges, according to the police department.
Officers were called to South Fulton Parkway at about 12:45 a.m. Wednesday after someone was shot, WAGA reported, citing Union City police. They found an unresponsive man who died from his injuries, authorities told the station.
The medical examiner’s office identified him as 35-year-old Reginald T. Folks, according to WSB-TV.
Folks was driving for Lyft when Minor allegedly shot him during a ride, the station reported, citing police. Authorities didn’t say what led to the shooting.
“Our hearts are with Mr. Folks’ loved ones as they confront this unspeakable tragedy, and we have reached out to offer our support during this difficult time,” a Lyft spokesperson told McClatchy News in a statement.
Minor’s account has been permanently removed from the Lyft app, the spokesperson said.
After Minor’s arrest in 2023, Atlanta police said his service weapon was confiscated and “has remained in the custody of the APD.” His resignation was effective immediately following his arrest Wednesday.
Minor remained in custody at the Fulton County Jail as of Thursday, May 16, and was charged with murder and aggravated assault in the Lyft shooting, online records show.
Authorities didn’t release additional details but said the investigation is ongoing.
Union City is about a 20-mile drive southwest from downtown Atlanta.
This story was originally published May 16, 2024 at 12:29 PM with the headline "Officer shoots and kills Lyft driver giving him a ride, Georgia police say."