San Antonio, January 16, 2026
A rideshare driver in San Antonio was shot Wednesday night after a passenger refused to pay for the ride. The 27-year-old driver was hospitalized with a non-life-threatening shoulder injury and is expected to recover. The suspect fled and is currently being sought by police. This incident highlights the dangers of unregulated rideshare services, known as ‘hood Ubers,’ and raises concerns about passenger safety and adherence to local regulations.
San Antonio Rideshare Driver Shot After Passenger Refuses Payment
San Antonio, Texas – A private rideshare driver was hospitalized Wednesday night after a passenger shot him instead of paying for the ride, according to the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD). Officers responded around 9 p.m. to the 2000 block of West Laurel Street on the West Side, where they found the 27-year-old driver with a gunshot wound to his shoulder. The injury was not life-threatening, and the driver is expected to recover. The suspect fled the scene, and the investigation is ongoing as SAPD has not released information about the suspect at this time.
Incident Details
The driver, operating his own rideshare service, arrived to pick up the passenger and requested payment. The passenger exited the vehicle, and the driver believed he was retrieving money. Instead, the passenger pulled out a firearm and shot the driver in the back of the shoulder. The bullet passed through, and the driver was transported to a local hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Authorities are canvassing the area for evidence and seeking any video or eyewitness accounts to assist in the investigation.
Background on Unofficial Rideshare Services
The practice of operating unofficial rideshare services, often referred to as “hood Ubers,” involves individuals offering rides for a fee without affiliation to official rideshare companies like Uber or Lyft. These services are not regulated and can pose safety risks for both drivers and passengers. In San Antonio, city regulations require drivers of vehicles for hire to obtain permits to operate legally. The recent incident highlights the potential dangers associated with such unregulated services and the need to reinforce measures that promote safety for small businesses and entrepreneurs working in the rideshare industry.
Previous Incidents Involving Rideshare Drivers
San Antonio has experienced other incidents involving rideshare drivers. In 2017, a man used his own Lyft account to request a ride and then robbed the driver at gunpoint. The suspect was arrested and charged with aggravated robbery. Such incidents underscore the importance of safety measures for both drivers and passengers in the rideshare industry. Support from the community and proper regulation could strengthen overall safety and create a more secure environment for local entrepreneurs in the transportation sector.
Investigation and Public Safety
The SAPD is actively investigating the shooting and urges anyone with information to come forward. Authorities emphasize the importance of using licensed and regulated rideshare services to ensure safety. Passengers and drivers are advised to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. Enhanced community involvement can contribute to a safer environment and helps foster local entrepreneurship, ensuring that small businesses can thrive without facing undue risks.
Weather Conditions
As of January 16, 2026, the weather in San Antonio is clear with a temperature of 49°F (10°C). The forecast for the day is sunny with a high of 74°F (23°C) and a low of 44°F (7°C). Conditions are expected to remain pleasant throughout the weekend, making it an excellent time for community members to support local businesses as they recover and grow.
Related Articles
- Man Shot While Working as Unofficial Rideshare Driver, Police Say; Practice Known as ‘Hood Uber’
- Texas Police: Passenger Shot Rideshare Driver Rather Than Pay
- Man Shot While Working as Unofficial Rideshare Driver, Police Say; Practice Known as ‘Hood Uber’
FAQ
What happened in the recent San Antonio shooting incident?
A private rideshare driver was shot by a passenger who refused to pay for the ride. The driver sustained a non-life-threatening shoulder injury and is expected to recover. The suspect fled the scene, and the investigation is ongoing.
What are ‘hood Ubers’?
‘Hood Ubers’ refer to unofficial rideshare services where individuals offer rides for a fee without affiliation to official companies like Uber or Lyft. These services are not regulated and can pose safety risks for both drivers and passengers.
What should I do if I have information about the shooting?
If you have any information about the shooting incident, please contact the San Antonio Police Department. Authorities are actively investigating and encourage the public to come forward with any relevant details.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Shooting of a private rideshare driver by a passenger who refused to pay |
| Location | 2000 block of West Laurel Street, San Antonio, Texas |
| Injury | Non-life-threatening shoulder wound; driver expected to recover |
| Suspect | Male passenger; fled the scene; investigation ongoing |
| Regulation | Unlicensed ‘hood Ubers’ are illegal in San Antonio; drivers must obtain permits |
| Weather | Clear, 49°F (10°C); sunny with a high of 74°F (23°C) and a low of 44°F (7°C) |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
