A 29-year-old Lyft driver in Akron was struck by a bullet fragment late Monday night after someone shot at her car with a rifle.
According to the Akron Police Department, it happened around 11:30 p.m. in the 800 block of Bisson Avenue near Diana Avenue.
The driver, Ashika Pradhan, had just dropped a fare off when someone fired several shots with a rifle.
One of the bullets entered the car, fragmented and hit her in the leg, but she wasn't injured, police said.
Pradhan drove away from the immediate area and called 911.
"I was just doing a ride. I was driving Lyft and I dropped off somebody and... this random person started shooting me in my car," Pradhan told the operator. "He just started shooting like eight, nine rounds, I think."
In a phone interview with News 5, Pradhan said she has been a Lyft driver for nine months, and has no idea why anyone would shoot at her.
"It happened so quickly. I never was in that situation before. It was like I couldn't move for a second because I was in shock," she said. "I could have died."
A detailed description of the shooter wasn't available, and there are no suspects at this time.
Detectives are checking home security systems in the neighborhood to see if any cameras captured the shooting.
"We're uncertain as to the motive behind this incident and why someone would fire a rifle at a Lyft driver," said Lt. Mike Murphy.
Lyft issued the following statement:
"The behavior described is reprehensible and has no place in society. Our thoughts are with the driver who we've reached out to offering support, and we stand ready to assist law enforcement with their investigation."
Summit County Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information that solves the case. People with information are encouraged to call 330-434-COPS or text TIPSCO, along with the tip, to 274637 (CRIMES).
