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.
SAN JOSE, Calif. — A San Jose police officer was shot and injured while investigating an armed carjacking in the downtown area on Wednesday, according to the San Jose Police Department (SJPD).
Authorities said the incident unfolded near the downtown core, close to major roadways including Highway 87 and the Julian Street exit.
Preliminary information indicates the suspect was involved in a series of violent events spanning multiple jurisdictions prior to the shooting.
Investigators believe the suspect initially stole a white Honda in Hollister, after abandoning a green Chevrolet Corvette.
During the course of the incident, the suspect allegedly fired shots at pursuing law enforcement officers, prompting a high-speed pursuit.
Police said the chase continued northbound on U.S. Highway 101, with speeds reportedly exceeding 100 miles per hour, traveling from Gilroy to San Jose. The pursuit ultimately led officers into the downtown area, where the officer-involved shooting occurred.
SJPD confirmed that a sworn department member was struck by gunfire and was transported to a local hospital. The officer’s condition has not been publicly disclosed at this time.
In a statement released on social media, the department said:
“SJPD is currently investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in downtown San Jose related to an armed carjacking. An SJPD sworn Department member has been shot and transported to a local hospital. This is an active and ongoing investigation, and PIOs will share more information as it becomes available.”
As of Wednesday afternoon, police had not confirmed whether any suspects were in custody, nor had they indicated whether any civilians were injured during the incident.
The shooting took place in an area that includes government buildings, businesses, and major transit hubs, leading to temporary traffic disruptions and a heightened police presence.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional details are expected to be released by authorities as more information becomes available.