Aaron Orozco, a 38-year-old Marine Corps veteran and father of two, was tragically killed during an altercation with two passengers while driving for Uber in Lynwood, California, on Friday morning.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the incident took place in a 7-Eleven parking lot, where a physical altercation ensued between Orozco and two passengers.
One of the suspects shot Orozco in the upper torso during the altercation before fleeing the scene in the victim’s Honda Accord. The vehicle was later discovered abandoned not far from the scene of the shooting. As of early Sunday, the suspects remained at large.
Orozco’s wife, Sandra Medina, expressed her grief and disbelief, stating that the tragic event felt like a nightmare. The couple has two children, a 9-year-old son and a 3-year-old daughter. Orozco had been an Uber driver for four years, taking night shifts to care for their children while Medina worked as a nurse.
Uber has since banned the rider’s account and is cooperating with the police investigation. In a statement to Fox11, the company expressed their condolences to the family of Mr. Orozco Figueroa, offering their support during this difficult time.
Prior to driving for Uber, Orozco had served in the United States Marine Corps. He had completed three deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan during his four years of service, earning the distinction of being a combat veteran.
Medina expressed her hope that the suspects would be apprehended, as their actions have caused significant turmoil in her family’s life. The loss of her husband has drastically altered her and her children’s lives.
The Los Angeles Police Department’s data reveals a concerning trend in car theft. In 2022, car theft in Los Angeles County increased by 4.3% compared to 2021 and by a staggering 61.5% since 2019.