2 men arrested, charged in attack on Lyft driver in Philly's Parkside section

Police say the Lyft driver, who has a valid permit to carry, fired his gun at the suspects, wounding both of them.
Thursday, February 24, 2022
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Two men have been arrested and federally charged in connection with an attack on a Lyft driver in Philadelphia's Parkside section earlier this year.

Alex Fernandez-Pena, 32, and Juan Jose Rodriguez, 20, both of Philadelphia, were charged with carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, according to United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams.
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The attack happened around 2:40 p.m. on January 3 in the 1100 block of N. 40th Street.

Police say the incident began when the 38-year-old Lyft driver was rear-ended by another vehicle twice.

After the Lyft driver exited his vehicle, Fernandez-Pena allegedly pointed a 12-gauge shotgun at the driver and then drove off with the Lyft vehicle after its passenger escaped through a rear door.

Pictured: A vehicle involved in a carjacking and shooting in the Parkside section of Philadelphia on January 3, 2022.



But as he drove off, the Lyft driver - who police say has a valid permit to carry - fired his gun at Fernandez-Pena
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Investigators said Rodriguez tried to hit the Lyft driver with his vehicle, and the Lyft driver fired again.



Philadelphia police officers subsequently captured both defendants nearby. .

The victim was not hurt during this incident, police say.

Fernandez-Pena and Rodriguez were taken into federal custody and will make their initial appearances on Friday.
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