SARASOTA COUNTY, FL (WWSB) - An irate Uber passenger ended up getting shot by the driver according to Sarasota County Sheriff's deputies.
The passenger, identified as Geoffrey C. Ruscher, 42, was arrested for Assault and Battery and Causing Bodily Harm after he attacked the Uber driver who shot him in self-defense Thursday night.
Deputies say it happened in the 4100 block of Lockwood Ridge Road just before 8:30 p.m.
The Uber driver called 911 to report the shooting. Investigators say the driver had asked Ruscher to exit the vehicle multiple times after he became belligerent.
Ruscher eventually got out but returned, making threats to the driver and approaching him in an aggressive manner.
The driver pulled out his firearm and attempted to push Ruscher away several times, but was punched in the face. After a scuffle, Ruscher made threats to the driver's life stating, “I will kill you.”
Deputies say the driver then fired at Ruscher in an act of self-defense, hitting him in the leg.
Investigators interviewed witnesses who confirmed Ruscher as the aggressor.
Ruscher was taken to the Sarasota County Jail after being released from the hospital.
The Uber driver, who was lawfully carrying a gun, will not face any charges.
