Uber Driver Who Shot, Killed Passenger in Denver Faces First Degree Murder Charge

The tragic shooting happened on June 1 at approximately 2:47 a.m. on Interstate 25 in Colorado near University Boulevard, KDVR reported.

According to the Denver Police Department, the suspect, 29-year-old Hancock, got into an altercation with his passenger, identified as 45-year-old Hyun Kim, while inside the vehicle.

An eyewitness called 911 and said that he saw a man slumped over in the passenger side of a silver sedan on the side of the road of I-25. Hancock then spoke to the eyewitness, telling him he was an Uber driver and that Kim tried to attack him. He then claimed that he shot Kim in self-defense. The eyewitness then handed Hancock the phone, who then identified himself to dispatch.

After arriving at the scene, police found Kim lying on the passenger-side foot well. Authorities tried to perform CPR before the Denver Health Paramedics arrived, but he was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Police removed a semiautomatic pistol from Hancock’s waistband and managed to locate “10 spent 40 caliber cartridges on the left shoulder of Interstate 25 near University Blvd,” as said in the released police document, Denver Channel reported.

“Detective Lopez also located a blood trail near the spent cartridges; the blood trail was consistent with the path of where the Nissan sedan came to rest. Detective Lopez noted several suspected bullet strikes in the passenger compartment of the Nissan sedan,” the report continued to note.

Hancock was taken to the hospital for breathing difficulties before being arrested for investigation of first degree murder.

Kim left behind a wife and child, according to authorities.

Hancock, who has a wife and two kids, is currently being held with “no bond allowed,” said in the report.

“He’s a Christian kid and he’s all about making the world a better place,” his father, Michael Hancock Sr., said, describing his son as a sweetheart. “I wish I had been that attentive to my kids.”

Police have been in contact with Uber, who stressed that they do not permit their drivers to carry firearms. They revealed that Hancock, who possesses a conceal carry permit, had access to their app for nearly three years and that the incident “appears to be associated with an on-app trip.” 

“We are all deeply troubled by the events in Denver today,” Uber said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the families of those involved and we will continue working closely with police.”

Authorities are urging those who may have information regarding the case to call the police.

Featured image via KDVR