DENVER – Ridesharing service Uber on Monday sent an email to customers saying the company is “committed to helping keep you safe” as a driver accused of shooting and killing a passenger in Denver awaits a decision on whether he’ll face a murder charge in the case.
Uber’s email details a number of safety-related changes the company has made in recent weeks, including beefed-up background checks for drivers and a new feature that allows riders to dial 911 from within the Uber app.
The email comes three days after Michael Hancock, 29, was arrested on investigation of first-degree murder in the death of his passenger, Hyun Kim, 45. Police said Hancock shot and killed Kim after an altercation on I-25 in the early hours of Friday morning.
Hancock was advised of the charge he is being investigated for -- first-degree murder -- in Denver District Court on Saturday.
Here’s what we know about the shooting as of Monday, June 4:
- Shooting occurred on southbound I-25 near University Boulevard a little before 3 a.m. on Friday, June 1.
- According to police documents, Hancock told a witness that Kim attacked him
- Arriving officers located Kim on the floorboard of the front passenger seat and attempted CPR
- Kim was pronounced dead at the hospital
- Police located 10 spent 40-caliber cartridges along the interstate
- Uber confirmed the incident appears to be associated with an in-app trip
- Hancock had been an Uber driver for nearly three years but his access to the app has since been revoked
- Uber’s policy prohibits drivers and riders from carrying firearms
- Hancock has multiple past traffic infractions, including charges of driving under restraint and speeding from April 21 in Douglas County
Hancock’s next court date has not yet been scheduled.
RELATED: Denver Uber shooting, other incidents raise questions about company's safety policies
