Police still searching for suspect after Uber driver was shot, killed while picking up passenger

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- It has been more than a year since an Uber driver was shot and killed while picking up a passenger, and the search for the killer is still underway.

"Police get a call of a person with a gun. In the area of 7200 Chestnut Street they locate a white Chevy van that just hit a light pole," says John Appledorn, President of the Citizens Crime Commission.

The shooting death of 77-year-old Olatunji Bolaji was captured on surveillance video on April 16th, 2025.

Police say he was working as an Uber driver that night and was waiting for his passenger outside the Byblos Restaurant and Hookah Lounge on the 100 block of South 18th Street in Center City at 2 a.m.

His passenger, a 22-year-old man, is seen hugging people before getting into Bolaji's black SUV.

Then, two suspects run up and fight with the man before firing four shots.

"At the scene was found 9 mm casings, and 140 caliber casing," says Appledorn.

Bolaji was struck in the head by a bullet and managed to drive away.

Minutes later, he hit a light pole on the 700 block of Chestnut Street.

Bolaji died from his injuries.

His passenger was shot three times and has recovered.

"If you know anything about this case there is a $20,000 reward for an arrest and conviction," says Appledorn.

All calls will remain anonymous.