Authorities in El Paso, Texas have charged a woman with murder after she allegedly shot and killed her Uber driver. The incident occurred when the woman, Phoebe D. Copas, 48, from Tompkinsville, Kentucky, falsely believed that she was being forcibly driven to Mexico.
The victim, Daniel Piedra Garcia, 52, was taken off life support and passed away on Wednesday. According to a complaint affidavit obtained by KTSM, detectives believe that Copas was in El Paso to visit her boyfriend. The incident occurred while she was seated in the backseat of the Uber vehicle, en route to meet him at a casino.
Upon seeing roadway signs indicating “Juarez, Mexico,” which is located across the border from El Paso, Copas believed that she was being kidnapped and taken to Mexico. In response to her perceived threat, she shot the driver, causing the vehicle, a Nissan Maxima, to collide with a highway barrier and come to a stop on U.S. 54 South.
The affidavit notes that Copas did not contact the authorities before the shooting and failed to seek immediate help after opening fire. “The investigation does not support that a kidnapping took place or that Piedra was veering from Copas’ destination,” the police said in a statement.
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Initially, Copas was arrested on suspicion of aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury, but the charges were upgraded to murder after the driver’s death. Her bond was subsequently increased from $1 million to $1.5 million. As of now, Copas’ assigned attorney has not responded to requests for comment.
Following her arrest on June 16, Copas has been held in El Paso County jail, where she remains.
Incidents like this highlight the potential dangers that ride-hailing service drivers face. While millions of rides are completed without any issues, there have been instances where both drivers and passengers have been involved in violent encounters. The ride-hailing industry has implemented safety measures to minimize risks, such as driver background checks and GPS tracking systems. However, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and caution for both drivers and passengers.
Uber, the leading ride-hailing service, has faced scrutiny and legal battles over its safety practices. They have made efforts to improve safety by implementing features such as an emergency button in the app, allowing riders to share their location with friends and family, and conducting continuous criminal background checks on drivers.
In response to this tragic incident, Uber released a statement expressing their condolences to the victim’s family and emphasizing their commitment to supporting law enforcement in their investigation. They also urged users of the app to report any concerning behavior to law enforcement immediately.
The incident also raises questions about the mental health system and the need for more accessible and effective mental health care services. It is important to ensure that individuals who may be experiencing severe mental distress have access to appropriate support and treatment.
In conclusion, the tragic shooting of an Uber driver in El Paso, Texas highlights the potential dangers that ride-hail service drivers face. It serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures in the industry and the need for vigilance from both drivers and passengers. It also raises broader questions about mental health care and the support available to individuals in crisis. As the investigation into this incident continues, it is crucial that efforts are made to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
