Crime
15-Year-Old Christian Simmons Charged With Murder in Fatal Carjacking of Uber Driver Cesar Tejeda
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — Authorities are investigating a deadly carjacking that claimed the life of a husband and father of two who was working as an Uber driver in the early morning hours Thursday, an act police have described as “senseless.”
The victim was identified as Cesar Tejeda, a resident of Grayson, Georgia. According to the Lawrenceville Police Department, Tejeda was driving a black SUV for Uber when he accepted a ride request shortly after 4:13 a.m. on Groveland Parkway.
Investigators said surveillance video shows that after the ride concluded, the passenger exited the vehicle, walked around to the driver’s side door, and shot Tejeda.
Police said the suspect then pulled Tejeda from the SUV and fled the scene in the stolen vehicle.
Approximately 10 minutes later, detectives reported that the suspect returned briefly to the area before driving the stolen SUV to a residential neighborhood in Lilburn.
Using a combination of FLOCK license plate reader data and Ring doorbell camera footage, investigators were able to track the vehicle’s movements.
Police then contacted the registered owner’s family, who confirmed the SUV belonged to Tejeda and that he was out working for Uber at the time of the incident.
With assistance from Uber, detectives were able to identify a suspect. Surveillance was established at a residence in the Lilburn neighborhood where investigators believed the suspect was staying.
When the individual later exited the home and began walking, officers moved in and took the suspect into custody without incident.
The arrest involved officers from the Gwinnett County Police Department and the Lawrenceville Police Department.
Police identified the suspect as Christian Simmons, 15, of Lilburn.
Investigators said Simmons had friends in the neighborhood where the Uber ride was requested but had no known prior connection to Tejeda.
Authorities believe the motive for the killing was vehicle theft, stating that the suspect allegedly targeted Tejeda solely to take the SUV.
“This was a senseless act of violence,” police said during a news conference.
Tejeda’s death has left his family mourning the loss of a devoted husband and father, while the case has sparked outrage across the community.
The investigation remains ongoing.
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Des Moines Police Department is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Thursday afternoon on the city’s north side following a reported stabbing.
Officers were dispatched shortly before 4 p.m. to the 1900 block of Carpenter Avenue after receiving a report that a security officer had been stabbed at 1914 Carpenter Ave., according to a department news release.
The address is home to the Polk County Life Services Center and Broadlawns Behavioral Health Urgent Care.
Upon arrival, officers encountered an individual believed to be responsible for the stabbing.
During that encounter, at least one officer discharged their firearm, striking the suspect.
Authorities have not yet released specific details regarding what led to the use of force.
Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and transported both the injured security officer and the suspect to local hospitals.
Police stated that both individuals are currently listed in critical condition.
It remains unclear whether any officers were injured during the incident.
Officials emphasized that the information released thus far is preliminary and subject to change as the investigation progresses.
The area surrounding Carpenter Avenue is expected to have an increased police presence while investigators process the scene and gather evidence.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.