Uber driver recounts violent carjacking in West Philadelphia, 2 teens arrested

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- An Uber driver talked to Action News about the assault, robbery and carjacking on Tuesday morning that left him with serious injuries.

"I could be dead right now," Essam Zarkli said. "I'm 65 years old. You think I can take a punch like this?"

As Zarkli left the hospital, he described the moment he said teenage passengers attacked him in his Uber.

It happened around 2:30 a.m.

Zarkli said he picked up the passengers behind Temple Hospital, but one of them punched him in the back of the head as he was dropping them off at N. 50th and Westminster Ave. in West Philadelphia.

"All of a sudden just boom, they hit me on the head back there," said Zarkli. "They dragged me out of the door and started hitting me all of them with theirs shoes with their hands because they could not find the car keys."

The victim says his keys were buried in his pocket and he was struggling to get them out in time.

Neighbors say they heard some commotion and woke up to find blood on their steps.

"My friend's mom said she heard someone on her porch moaning in distress like he needed help," said Tina Marre of West Philadelphia.

The suspects took off in Zarkli's Black Toyota RAV 4, which police were able to track down at 32nd and Mantua.

Officials said two people jumped out as another person continued driving.

"And officers from the 16th District chased these two suspects on foot for about two blocks. One of the officers actually had to chase the suspects over a chain-linked fence," said Chief Inspector Scott Small.

Officers said they arrested a 15-year-old and 16-year-old, and then found the SUV a short time later at 41st and Parrish. By then the other two suspects were already gone.

"These young kids, the jails don't mean nothing to them. The punishment don't mean nothing to them," said Zarkli.

Zarkli said he'll still drive for Uber, but has a long road to recovery.

"They did two-hour surgery on my nose and also they did all those MRIs," he said. "After the swelling comes down there may be another surgery on the bone right here because you can't even touch it."

Investigators said they are still working to gather more clues with hopes of catching the other two suspects.

An Uber spokesperson released this statement saying, "This heinous act of violence is terrifying and we've been in touch with the driver to check in with him and offer our support. We are grateful to Philadelphia police for their quick action in apprehending two of the suspects and are standing by to assist them as they continue their investigation."