Uber IDs its driver as shooting victim

Ride-hailing company Uber has confirmed the victim of a recent fatal shooting in Brampton was one of their drivers.

Uber’s senior communications associate Navideh Forghani said the 45-year-old driver had been using Uber app to drive since 2019.

“This senseless act of violence that took the life of Mr. Raiz Ahmed is heartbreaking,” he said in an emailed statement to the Star.

“Our thoughts are with his family. We are working with law enforcement on their investigation,” he said, noting the company is also reaching out to Ahmed’s family to offer support.

The company also “immediately deactivated” the account of Ahmed’s passenger following the shooting, Forghani wrote.

Peel police say officers located a man suffering from gunshot wounds behind a shopping plaza near Brickyard Way and Quarry Edge Drive in the early morning hours of Nov. 13.

Police have not independently identified Ahmed as the victim of the homicide. Const. Akhil Mooken, spokesperson for Peel police, told the Star the investigation is ongoing and police can’t share any more details about the victim at this time.

Peel homicide investigators, with assistance from Toronto police, arrested 23-year-old Carlton Brown, in the area of Broadview Avenue and Browning Avenue in Toronto. He has been charged with one count of second-degree murder, and appeared in court in Brampton on Nov. 14.

Uber drivers have various options available for their safety, said Forghani, including an emergency button to dial 911, GPS tracking and the ability to share trip routes in real time with family members.