Georgia Uber Driver Shoots 16-Year-Old Girl in Waffle House Parking Lot After Argument Over Ride Capacity, Police Say
DUNWOODY, GEORGIA — A 38-year-old Uber driver has been charged after allegedly shooting a 16-year-old girl in a Waffle House parking lot early Sunday morning following a heated argument about how many passengers he could take in his car, according to police.
Authorities say Meredith Grundy, of Georgia, opened fire after a confrontation with a group of five teenage girls, one of whom he claims threatened to kill him and punched him in the face.
Argument Over Ride Capacity Turns Violent
According to a statement from the Dunwoody Police Department, the incident occurred outside a Waffle House on Ashford-Dunwoody Road just after midnight on October 5.
Grundy was working as an Uber driver when he arrived to pick up a ride request and discovered five teenage girls waiting. He told the group that he could not take all five passengers because his car didn’t have enough seatbelts or legal seating for everyone.
An argument followed.
“One of the girls became angry and allegedly threatened to kill Grundy before striking him in the face,” police wrote in their report.
At that point, investigators say Grundy retrieved a handgun from his vehicle and fired several shots, hitting the teen multiple times.
Victim Hospitalized in Critical Condition
The 16-year-old girl suffered gunshot wounds to her back and legs and was rushed to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, according to WANF News.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed she was in critical but stable condition.
“The reported details of this incident are horrifying,” Uber said in a statement provided to WANF. “We removed the driver’s access to the platform and stand ready to assist law enforcement in their investigation.”
The remaining four teens told police that no threats were made before Grundy opened fire — directly contradicting the driver’s account.
Driver Arrested and Released on Bond
Grundy was arrested by the Dunwoody Police Department and charged with aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
He was booked into the DeKalb County Jail, where he later posted bond, though officials have not disclosed the amount or release date.
Investigators are continuing to review security footage from the Waffle House and surrounding businesses to determine what led up to the gunfire.
Uber Responds to the Shooting
The rideshare company confirmed Grundy’s connection to Uber and said his driver account was permanently deactivated following the shooting.
“Our thoughts are with the victim and her loved ones,” Uber said in a statement. “We take these matters extremely seriously and are cooperating fully with authorities.”
Local residents have called for stricter screening procedures for rideshare drivers, while others expressed concern about teenagers using rideshare apps late at night without adult supervision.
This shocking case underscores the dangers of everyday confrontations turning deadly. For continuing updates on crime investigations and public safety stories across the U.S., visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.