Busy Denver freeway closed after Uber driver fatally shoots passenger, police say

The driver was taken to the hospital after the vehicle crashed, but was later released

A Denver man has been pronounced dead after his Uber driver shot him multiple times following a dispute, police have said.

Denver police say that the silver sedan they were in then crashed into a wall on an exit ramp on the interstate after the passenger was struck multiple times around 3am Friday morning. Police confirmed that the driver was an employee of Uber, but said that they were still working to determine if the incident occurred during a fare.

The Denver Channel reports that the driver then called emergency services to report the shooting.

"This is very preliminary, but it appears there was an Uber driver and his passenger got into a conflict inside his vehicle, shots were exchanged, shots were fired and the passenger it appears was shot," Denver Police spokesperson Sonny Jackson said.

The passenger was later pronounced dead.

The driver was taken to a local hospital and evaluated, but was then released, according to a police spokesman.

The driver has not been charged with a crime following the shooting.

When contacted for a comment on the incident, an Uber spokesperson said that the company is working with police, and that the investigation is still underway.

"We are deeply troubled by the events in Denver today. Our thoughts are with the families of those involved, and we will continue working closely with police," the Uber spokesperson said.

Firearms are not allowed in Uber vehicles, the company wrote on its website.

“Our goal is to ensure that everyone has a safe and reliable ride,” the website reads. “That’s why Uber prohibits riders and drivers from carrying firearms of any kind in a vehicle while using our app.”

Colorado permits open carry for most types of guns, with that right protected with some exceptions within the state’s constitution.

“All persons have certain natural, essential and inalienable rights, among which may be reckoned the right of enjoying and defending their lives and liberties; of acquiring, possessing and protecting property; and of seeking and obtaining their safety and happiness,” Article 2, Section 3 of the Colorado constitution reads.

Concealed carry permits are also available in Colorado, and are issued through county sheriffs. The Denver Police Department website notes that residents of the city can also apply for concealed carry permits.

The incident in Denver is not the first time that an Uber driver has pulled a gun on a passenger, or otherwise assaulted a passenger.

Late last month, for example, a Philadelphia passenger claimed that their Uber driver pulled a gun on him after he told him where to turn.