FORT WORTH, Texas — A Fort Worth rideshare driver was shot by his passenger Tuesday, according to police.
Police said the shooting happened at 8102 Cassie Lane. When officers arrived, they found a man with three gunshot wounds who said he was a Lyft driver, police said. The driver said his passenger, who he dropped off at that location, was the one who shot him, per Fort Worth police.
On Thursday, the driver, 29-year-old Marx Jean of Arlington remained in the hospital, where he's recovering from two gunshot wounds.
"I'm blessed to be alive," Jean said in an interview with WFAA. "I still have flashbacks of the moment."
The Fort Worth Police Department said Jean and the suspect wanted to conduct a ride off the books. Sometime during this process, FWPD said a disagreement ensued, and Jean was shot.
Jean said he gave the suspect a ride last week and they exchanged phone numbers for future rides. During Tuesday's ride, the passenger wanted to pay in cash, Jean said. However, Jean told WFAA he asked the passenger to go through the app.
"He ended up pulling a gun out, talking about, 'Get out the car,'" Jean said. "I'm frozen. When he pulled the gun out, I was in shock. What did I do? What did I say?" Jean recalled
Jean said he was shot twice as he tried to drive away. He suffered gunshot wounds to his arm and thigh. He said he immediately dialed 911 and rushed into a nearby Taco Casa to ask for help.
A Lyft spokesperson confirmed that the incident did not happen on their platform and released the following statement:
“The behavior being alleged has no place in our society, and our thoughts are with the victim. While this incident did not occur on the Lyft platform, we stand ready to assist law enforcement with any investigation.”
Lyft also emphasized that off-platform rides are strictly prohibited.
The suspect, who remains at large, faces an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge, police said.
Jean has launched a GoFundMe to cover his medical expenses.