On Wednesday, SAPD says a Hood Uber driver was shot by a passenger who refused to pay.
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio police are warning the public about using unregulated ride services after a rideshare driver was shot by a passenger on the city’s west side Wednesday night.
Police said the shooting happened just before 9 p.m. on West Laurel Street. Officers responding to the scene said the 27-year-old driver told them he was giving rides through a group referred to as “Hood Uber,” an informal network that operates primarily through social media.
The driver was shot in the shoulder after the passenger allegedly refused to pay for the ride, according to police. He was taken to a hospital and is expected to recover.
Officers at the scene said they were initially unfamiliar with the group. A search on Facebook shows multiple pages using the “Hood Uber” name, advertising low-cost rides around San Antonio.
One driver who uses the platform, and asked to remain anonymous, told KENS 5 he has been offering rides through the page for about a month to make extra money on the side.
“I try to be affordable and help people out,” he said. “So like $15, and you take three or four rides and you’re already looking at $60 for a day.”
Unlike traditional rideshare companies such as Uber or Lyft, these informal services operate without permits, background checks or commercial insurance.
“Pretty much every man for themselves really,” the driver said. “That’s how the whole thing operates.”
The driver said he typically asks for payment upfront and relies on his instincts to decide whether to accept a ride, but acknowledged that safety is a constant concern.
“I’ve been through similar situations myself where I felt unsafe,” he said. “I decided on my own intuition not to take the ride and not allow that individual into my vehicle.”
After learning about Wednesday night’s shooting, he said he no longer plans to offer rides.
“Absolutely not,” he said. “I feel like that was the straw that broke the camel’s back. It’s not worth it.”
Police said the suspect, described as a man in his 30s, remains at large.
Authorities are urging both drivers and passengers to use only reputable, licensed transportation services. Police also reminded the public that if something feels wrong while in a stranger’s vehicle, riders can call or text 911 for help.