Uber driver shoots, kills would-be robber on William Lehman Causeway

Police say Uber driver licensed to carry firearm

AVENTURA, Fla. ā€“ An Uber driverĀ opened fire Sunday morning on an attempted robberĀ in the middle of the William Lehman Causeway, police said.

The driver was taking a passenger to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport shortly before 6 a.m. when he was cut off by a gray Dodge Caravan in the 3300 block of Northeast 191st Street,Ā AventuraĀ police Sgt. Chris Goranitis said

An armed man got out of the driver's side of the minivan and approached the Uber driver,Ā Goranitis said.

"He had two firearms in his hands," Goranitis said. "He pointed them at the Uber driver and demanded items from the driver."

The Uber driver, who was also armed, fired four shots at the man, killing him, Goranitis said.

"We determined he was licensed to carry," Goranitis said of the Uber driver.

A passenger in the minivan got into the driver's seat and fled the scene before police arrived, Goranitis said.

By Sunday night, police had located the Caravan and a person of interest who is believed to have driven away in the minivan. He was being questioned by police.

The passenger in the Uber car wasn't hurt.

Local 10 News contacted Uber, but the company had no comment.Ā 

However, the company's firearms policy states, "Our goal is to ensure that everyone has a safe and reliable ride. That's why Uber prohibits riders and drivers from carrying firearms of any kind in a vehicle while using our app."